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Shincheonji Church of Jesus, led by Chairman Lee Man-hee, has become renowned for its intense focus on mastering the Bible, specifically the Book of Revelation.
The church holds weekly Bible exams for its members, aiming to ensure that they fully understand the scriptures, which are seen as key to entering the kingdom of heaven.
This method, which involves mastering the entire Bible and reflecting on the teachings of the Book of Revelation, has attracted both praise and controversy.
A core belief of Shincheonji, as outlined by Chairman Lee, is that members must not "add or subtract" from the Book of Revelation, as stated in Revelation 22:18-19. According to Lee, doing so would prevent individuals from entering heaven.
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The Shincheonji Church of Jesus holds that their approach to studying the Bible and understanding its prophecies is the only true way, and they criticise other Christian denominations for altering or misinterpreting scripture.
The church’s emphasis on the Bible is reflected in its educational practices. Upon enrolling in the church, members attend the Zion Christian Mission Center, where they undergo rigorous Bible studies, covering elementary, middle, and high school-level courses, before taking a final graduation exam. Once they pass this exam, members become part of the church community.
Over 100,000 graduates have participated in these courses since the church began its educational programme.
The Shincheonji Church’s General Assembly Education Department has further developed this approach with the "Sealing Confirmation Test," a worldwide initiative to ensure that every member comprehends the teachings of the Book of Revelation.
The test began online during the global challenges posed by COVID-19, but it is now conducted in person at temples. Shincheonji members take weekly exams, demonstrating their commitment to mastering the scriptures and committing God's word to their hearts.
According to a recent report, 97% of Shincheonji members take these Bible exams, with 99.9% of them scoring above 90%.
These figures indicate the level of devotion and understanding that the members have towards their faith and the teachings of the Bible. The Shincheonji Church sees this as a testament to their dedication, with their weekly Bible exams being a vital part of their religious practice.
A representative of Shincheonji Church of Jesus has publicly stated that the global Christian community has misunderstood their teachings, labelling them as a cult without offering a Biblical justification. The representative argues that while other Christian groups have distorted the Book of Revelation, Shincheonji members adhere to its true teachings.
They assert that this dedication to the scriptures sets them apart from other churches, and that their commitment to the Bible is what ultimately qualifies them for salvation.
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Despite being frequently branded a cult by both the Catholic Church and Protestant denominations, many former pastors have joined Shincheonji, testifying to its adherence to Biblical teachings. Pastor Kim, a former member of another church, shared his transformation after joining Shincheonji. "I realised that no church practices the Bible as faithfully as Shincheonji does," he said. "I’ve left everything I knew before and am starting my faith anew."
Pastor Choi Kwang-sun also expressed his newfound understanding after joining Shincheonji. "I taught the Word as a pastor, but after coming here, I realised how ignorant I was," he said. He called on other Christian leaders to listen to the teachings of Shincheonji, urging them to focus on providing accurate and comprehensive biblical education rather than condemning the church without proper understanding.
While the church’s unconventional approach has sparked criticism, it has garnered a growing following, particularly among those seeking a deeper understanding of the Bible and its prophecies. Shincheonji Church members are encouraged to judge the truth of their teachings based on the Bible itself, not on external perceptions or prejudices.
Shincheonji’s focus on mastering the Book of Revelation has undoubtedly set it apart from other religious movements, and it continues to promote its vision of achieving salvation through rigorous biblical study.
The church’s commitment to the teachings of the Bible, according to the Shincheonji leadership, represents the true path to understanding God’s final work and preparing for the coming of the kingdom of heaven.