Work in Progress
We are constantly adding parable terms and words to populate the glossary listing. ‘Not Available’ or “More details to come” means it is in the queue to be worked on.
How to Understand Figurative Language
According to Shincheonji teachings, understanding parables is key to understanding the secrets of heaven, which are necessary for salvation. Parables are not just stories to make things easier to understand, but are a way of hiding the secrets of heaven from those who do not belong to God. The parables contain hidden truths about the kingdom of heaven and are prophecies to be fulfilled in the future.
Understanding Parables
1.- Types of Parables
Immediate vs. Prophetic: Some parables convey moral lessons for immediate understanding, while others are prophetic and intentionally obscure until the related events unfold.
2.- Nature of Parables
Parables can be represented by objects, people, animals, geographic locations, and historical events. They are not always meant to be understood literally and can conceal deeper meanings. Romans 1:20
3.- Importance of Fulfillment
Prophecies are sealed in parables until they are fulfilled. When a prophecy is fulfilled, the meaning of the parable is revealed, which is crucial for understanding its realities. John 14:29.
4.- Humility and Spiritual Discernment
Humility is essential for understanding parables. Those with hardened hearts may struggle to grasp their meanings. Believers should approach scripture with the attitude of seeking God’s heart, testing teachings against scripture to discern true meanings. James 1:21
5.- Secrets of Heaven
The secrets of heaven refer to hidden truths about God’s kingdom revealed through parables. These secrets are related to prophecies and their fulfillment, and they are not meant to be understood by everyone but are revealed to those who belong to God. 1 Corinthians 2:9-10
6.- Discerning Good from Evil
Understanding parables helps believers discern who belongs to God and who does not. Those who grasp these teachings can differentiate between true and false teachings.
7.- Preparation for the Second Coming
Parables contain instructions essential for being prepared for Jesus’s second coming. They are critical for understanding biblical prophecies related to this event. Matthew 24:37-39
8.- Transformation Through Understanding
By understanding and applying God’s word, believers are transformed into His image.
9.- Role of the Promised Pastor
Shincheonji teaches that the promised pastor of the Second Coming (Lee Man Hee) is the one who can explain the parables, having seen the fulfillment of the prophecies and received the revealed word in Revelation 10.
10. Studying the Bible
The answers to the secrets of heaven are hidden within the Bible itself. Understanding parables requires diligent study of scripture.
11.- Meaning and Reality
Parables have both a meaning (the intended message) and a reality (the actual fulfillment). Understanding both is crucial.
Secrets of Heaven and Their Usage
1.- Definition and Purpose
The secrets of heaven are hidden truths about God’s plan and the kingdom of heaven, often expressed through parables and prophecies. God uses parables as a secret code to protect His plans, hiding the secrets of the kingdom from enemies like the Pharisees and Sadducees to prevent interference.
2.- Key to Salvation
Understanding parables is directly related to salvation and is a prerequisite for entering the kingdom of heaven.
3.- Differentiating Groups
Those who understand parables belong to the “you” group, receiving the secrets of heaven, while those who do not are considered the “them” group, remaining in darkness and subject to hell. Mark 4:10-14.
4.- The Open Word
The opened word refers to the ability to understand prophecies and parables once they are fulfilled. This understanding is a divine gift essential for salvation.
5.- Fulfillment of Prophecies
Parables are tied to specific prophecies, particularly in the books of Daniel and Revelation. The fulfillment of these prophecies is an ongoing reality, and recognizing this is key to understanding the true meaning of parables.
6.- Application of Understanding
Understanding parables should lead to action, such as preparing for Jesus’s second coming and living according to God’s will.
7.- Figurative Language
The Bible employs figurative language, comparing physical things to spiritual truths. Recognizing these comparisons is important for understanding parables.
8.- The Key of Heaven
The wisdom to know the secrets of heaven serves as the key of heaven, enabling one to understand the reality of God’s kingdom.
Conclusion
In summary, Shincheonji teaches that parables are a form of coded language concealing the secrets of heaven until the time of fulfillment. Believers must understand these parables through the open word and the testimony of the promised pastor (Lee Man Hee) to attain salvation and enter the kingdom of heaven.
List of Parables
The term “animals” is used figuratively to represent different types of people. “Sheep” represent believers, …
Babylon represents a place of confusion and spiritual darkness, symbolizing a denomination of the church …
Beasts represent false pastors and people who do not understand the Word (Revelation 13). They …
The “field” is a critical term used figuratively to represent the world, specifically the spiritual …
The term “seed” is a figurative representation of God’s Word. This interpretation is derived from …