Shincheonji Church of Jesus - Jesus Christ’s discourse on eternal life

Jesus Christ’s discourse on eternal life

The correct understanding of the Bible and of Shinchonji – The New Heaven and New Earth

This site and all of its content has been written according to the Bible. Our purpose is to instruct all Christians in a deeper knowledge of God’s word and to lead them to a deeper faith.

Jesus Christ’s discourse on eternal life

This is an explanation for all churches and believers that they might have a true life of faith.

The heaven and earth that God created are everlasting. The sun, moon, stars, clouds, and winds are also eternal. The living things on the earth, however, have limited life spans. According to the Bible, God created people in his image and likeness (Gen 1:26-27). These people God created are God’s children, but can also be called gods (Psa 82:6; Acts 17:29).

People (Adam and Eve) became mortal because they ate the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, which the serpent gave them. After this, God shortened the lifespan of his sons, making them mortal (Gen 3:19; Gen 6:1-3). This was why Apostle Paul pointed out that although death came through the first man, Adam, life comes through the second man, Jesus Christ (1 Cor 15:21-22). These are the two potential outcomes for all people: life or death, depending on whether we eat from the tree of life given by God or from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil given by the devil (Gen 2:9; Gen 2:17; Gen 3:22; Jn 14:6). Just as Apostle Paul testified (1 Cor 15:26; 1 Cor 15:51-54), God’s work on earth since Adam’s fall is to get rid of death and to give eternal life back to his creation (Rev 20:12-15; Rev 21:3-4).

The seminaries and pastors of the world neither know God’s will nor do they know the Bible because God has not revealed either one to them (Isa 29:9-13; Rev 5:1-3). It is not their fault that they do not understand the true meaning of the Bible. On the other hand, anyone who falsely interprets the Bible (2 Pet 3:16), that person does not know God’s will and is behaving arrogantly. Before the book is opened, it could only be taught according to men’s rules, but once it is opened, from that time on it should not be taught according to men’s rules. If Adam had sinned by eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, would he have died and returned to dust (Gen 3:19)?

Let us examine what Jesus taught regarding eternal life in the following passages so we can truly make this knowledge our own.

I bring up this topic because people persecute us as heresy without knowing the true meaning of the Bible themselves. Perhaps discussing exactly what Jesus said in the NT about this topic will help to alleviate some confusion.

“The one who belongs to God listens and responds to God’s words. You don’t listen and respond, because you don’t belong to God.” The Judeans replied, “Aren’t we correct in saying that you are a Samaritan and are possessed by a demon?” Jesus answered, “I am not possessed by a demon, but I honor my Father – and yet you dishonor me. I am not trying to get praise for myself. There is one who demands it, and he also judges. I tell you the solemn truth, if anyone obeys my teaching, he will never see death.” Then the Judeans responded, “Now we know you’re possessed by a demon! Both Abraham and the prophets died, and yet you say, ‘If anyone obeys my teaching, he will never experience death.’ You aren’t greater than our father Abraham who died, are you? And the prophets died too! Who do you claim to be?” Jesus replied, “If I glorify myself, my glory is worthless. The one who glorifies me is my Father, about whom you people say, ‘He is our God.’ Yet you do not know him, but I know him. If I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you. But I do know him, and I obey his teaching.” (Jn 8:47-55)

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live even if he dies, and the one who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” She replied, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God who comes into the world.” (Jn 11:25-27)

You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, this person does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is your life because of righteousness. Moreover if the Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, the one who raised Christ from the dead will also make your mortal bodies alive through his Spirit who lives in you. (Rom 8:9-11)

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had ceased to exist, and the sea existed no more. And I saw the holy city – the new Jerusalem – descending out of heaven from God, made ready like a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: “Look! The residence of God is among human beings. He will live among them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death will not exist any more – or mourning, or crying, or pain, for the former things have ceased to exist.” (Rev 21:1-4)

Then I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you forever – the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot accept, because it does not see him or know him. But you know him, because he resides with you and will be in you. (Jn 14:16-17)

You will know at that time that I am in my Father and you are in me and I am in you. (Jn 14:20)

Listen! I am standing at the door and knocking! If anyone hears my voice and opens the door I will come into his home and share a meal with him, and he with me. (Rev 3:20)

And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, who calls “Abba! Father!” (Gal 4:6)

Do the scriptures above say that only the spirit lives eternally or do these say that even the body can live eternally? Is there death in the kingdom of heaven?

Jesus said that only those who have become a new creation by being born again through water and spirit can enter the kingdom of heaven (Jn 3:5-7; 2 Cor 5:17). Apostle Paul said that when people are transformed, the perishable body will put on the imperishable, and the mortal body will put on immortality and death will be swallowed up by life (1 Cor 15:51-54). Should we deny these scriptures?

Jesus bore the cross to atone for people’s sins and so that God, who had left because of people’s sins, could come with Jesus to dwell within his people (1 Cor 3:16; Jn 14:20; Rev 3:20; Gal 4:6; Rom 8:9). Although people should die as payment for their sins, those to whom God and Jesus come and dwell will be able to attain life. Just as Jesus of Nazareth was raised from death to life, it will be possible for people never to die (Jn 11).

Anyone who belongs to God listens to God’s word and believes it. Anyone who listens to it but does not believe proves that he or she does not belong to God (Jn 8:46-47). John the Baptist came in the name of Elijah (Matt 11:10-14; Matt 17:10-13; Lk 1:13-17). Jesus came in the name of God (Jn 5:43). The spirit of truth, the Counselor, comes in the name of Jesus and dwells within the person God chooses (Jn 14:16-17; Jn 14:26; Rev 10).

Because the spirit of truth is with Shinchonji Church of Jesus (SCJ), we have mastered the Bible and teach it. Instead of persecuting SCJ, people should repent and come to learn. SCJ is doing everything according to the Bible. How could this be wrong? If SCJ is not doing things according to the Bible, let us discuss with the Bible. Why do people label SCJ as a cult when they do not even understand the true meaning of

the Bible? Labeling anyone as a cult according to one’s own judgment is following in the footsteps of John Calvin. Instead, we argue that the teachings of those who persecute us because they incorrectly interpret the Bible are not according to the Bible, and are thus the true heresy.

We have love, forgiveness, and truth, and we pray for those who persecute us.

www.scjbible.tv

Shincheonji news - World Peace Festival co-hosted by Shincheonji and MANNAM

The spiritual yearnings of Koreans can be difficult to fathom. Just as K Pop has taken off from Tokyo to New York, Korean spiritual movements draw adherents worldwide over seemingly insurmountable barriers.

Movements draw adherents worldwide over seemingly insurmountable barriers. That was sense one received after witnessing the “World Peace Festival” in the Olympic Stadium in Seoul’s Jamsil district on September 16. The audience had come prepared for a few hours of singing and fun. They could not have envisioned 100,000 people filling every seat in the stadium, including thousands more on the playing field, marching in elaborate formations, dancing and enacting various traditional and cultural performances.

The program, a “culture and sports celebration of restoring light,” wound up with men and women’s soccer games, a track meet, basketball, judo, and tug of war matches. In addition, on stage in front of the reviewing area, magicians and ballroom dancers and jazz musicians and a host of other entertainers were performing as well. This World Peace Festival evoked memories. Was it an improved version of the Olympic Games that opened in Korea 24 years ago at this very stadium? During those games in 1988 we saw performances as amazing as the prancing and dancing of thousands of performers against a backdrop of tens of thousands of people in the stands flipping flash cards of scenes and messages of whatever the South Koreans were selling, from happy school kids to verdant fields. History was repeating itself, perhaps, but on a much bigger scale.

As during the ‘88 Olympics, many people were on the field at the recent peace festival. Young people from all over the world dressed in their traditional colors filled the stadium, flipping cards on cue, forming slogans and scenes. This whole performance lasted for more than eleven hours, from morning until after dark when the rain was already falling and pinpoints of lights replaced the cards.

Much of the inspiration comes from the Honorary Chairman Man Hee Lee, who is also the founder pastor of Shinchonji Church of Jesus Christ. Mr. Lee is viewed as one of the most renowned spiritual leaders from Korea by Christians all over the world. Despite his busy schedule he sat through the whole program alongside Nam Hee Kim, Chairwoman of MANNAM Volunteer Association, which collaborated with the church on the mission of putting on “an unprecedented event in Korea where people from all over the world will gather.” Shinchonji means new heaven and earth, and MANNAM means meeting, implying a gathering of diverse figures in today’s Korea, Shinchonji Church and MANNAM are among the most active organizations in the fields of culture and the arts. In the recent past they have undertaken many projects and activities benefiting the downtrodden in both Korean society and abroad. Thus, it was no surprise that thousands of foreigners were seen attending the event, both as participants in cultural programs and games as well as guests of honor. Not many associations in Korea can claim this level of support from foreign communities.
To an outside observer such outbursts of astounding fervor as those on display at the World Peace Festival represent a significant aspect of Korean life and spirit.

One real question which comes to mind after watching such a grand show is how Shincheonji and MANNAM – one being a religious group, the other a volunteer association – were able to attain such an extraordinary array of talent on the tracks, fields, stages and stands of the event. The organizers call it “the world’s biggest peace festival in modern times.” They may be right. Millions of people were able to watch the event on live telecasts and Internet streaming all over the world. Also on display was the famed Korean hospitality as most dignitaries viewed the whole show from seats alongside the honorary chairman Man Hee Lee and the chairwoman Nam Hee Kim in a specially designated enclosure.

For their respective contributions to the day’s proceedings, both host organizations did extraordinarily well. Shinchonji’s contribution – the biblical performance – was most impressively depicted, being enacted on the field by mass game players with cards and flags, and by a 12,000member flashcard team in the stands. The athletic aspect of the events, called the Olympiad, pitted athletes from foreign countries against one another in peaceful and friendly competition. Indeed, the entire theme of the Olympiad was one of world unity, centering around the idea of Korean reunification. There were also various cultural performances by MANNAM members such as cultural dances by groups from the Middle East, Latin America, China and India, singers, bands, and magicians.

Incredibly, these events seemed to be going on simultaneously. Men’s and women’s basketball teams were playing in courts at both ends of the field. While runners were circling the surrounding track, performers were going through their acts in the middle of the field. Flash cards held by thousands on one side of the stands depicted scenes and slogans, and all the while mammoth television screens captured and replayed action, ensuring that everyone got a chance to see what was going on. The effect was that of a masterpiece of organization, planning and rehearsal that had gone on for months before the day of the festival. The imagination of the planners showed not only their true desire for international peace, but also the undying ‘candor’ spirit of the incredibly hardworking Korean people. In preparing for the event, they extracted themes from popular and traditional culture in a reflection of the national and religious spirit of the Korean people. “One of the most impressive moments was the constant waves that rolled through the stadium stands as thousands actively took part in the show,” said one spectator; “The unison and precision of the performance moved all who were watching.”

The massgames were envisioned by the planners “to demonstrate the unity of all cultures and the capacity of people to create peace.” MANNAM was responsible for bringing thousands of volunteers not only to attend the festival but also to volunteer their time, expertise and enthusiasm in the months prior and in the times needed for rehearsals. The campaign for volunteers was all in the name of peace, of helping people in dire straits. Nothing seems to have been overlooked in conveying this message.

“The campaign’s purpose was to raise awareness for peace that is achieved through understanding and appreciation of diversity,” says MANNAM. In pursuing that aim, the festival began with the dedication of a photo project in which a globe was unveiled made of “thousands of pieces with 3,913 photos of individuals and their sentiments on peace.” The idea, says MANNAM, was to form “a representation of individuals joining together for the peace and restoration of the world.” The program ended in driving rain “with the lighting of a hundred thousand lanterns during the live performance of the 1988 Seoul Olympics song ‘Hand in Hand,’ accompanied by fireworks.”

The emphasis on global understanding was visible everywhere. “The World Peace Festival was not a gathering of nations but of people from all different ethnicities, religions and ideologies that strive towards an achievable peace,” says the brochure. The alliance between MANNAM and Shinchonji deepens the sense of purpose. While MANNAM is a secular organization, its partnership with Shinchonji strengthens the message of nondiscriminatory acceptance of all cultures, faiths, ethnicities and nationalities while providing a religious overlay that attracts devotees looking for new hope and a renewed sense of purpose in a world of conflict.

The union of MANNAM and Shincheonji, represents how two different organizations working in unison can achieve wonders. Many other religious organizations who were otherwise not part of the festival were eager to extend their support after seeing the sheer force of spiritual energy displayed by members of Shincheonji and the volunteers of MANNAM.

After the show many South Korean media reports quoted a number of foreigners about how excited they were to be part of this onceinalifetime event. Many felt they had seen something that they would not see again in their lifetimes. The event was also well attended by foreign media groups, all of whom wrote interesting reports on the event for publication in their own countries.

Even though Shincheonji’s leader, Man Hee Lee, is the honorary chairman of MANNAM, the two organizations are entirely separate entities that operate on entirely separate mandates. The World Peace Festival was “a joint sporting event.” No sooner had the festival ended than the blogosphere lit up with comments about the true nature and impact of the event, both good and bad. One blogger found that, “despite the grandness of the event, its long term impact may not be as big and long lasting as proclaimed by the organizers.” However, the majority of bloggers were appreciative of the effort made by everyone to do their bit to pro Most foreigners who attended the festival came away with feelings of having participated in a great international, intercultural experience – a oneofakind event – something truly unique. Many confessed they were not expecting such a grand cultural treat.

MANNAM has become very well known for its celebrations of patriotic holidays, including the national day on August 15 marking the surrender of the Japanese forces occupying Korea at the end of World War II in 1945 and Korea’s freedom after 35 years of occupation. These celebrations are typically marked by a deep sense of patriotism and national pride. MANNAM members, on such occasions, dress up in shirts displaying the yin and yang symbol of the Korean flag, a symbol that represents the ideas of unity, balance and harmony. Typical of the reception that the movement is getting from Korea’s other religious originations, there appears to be a certain jealousy over the rapid rise of Shinchonji. The church, founded in 1984, has gained members with a basic message of love and humanity. According to the church, Shincheonji members “pursue and practice love, forgiveness, and acts of kindness toward others.”

“Currently, Shincheonji spreads the message of God in more than 300 churches all around the world and does diverse volunteer activities.” MANNAM’s rise has been no less phenomenal. Since its founding nine years ago with a mere 700 members, the MANNAM Volunteer Association now claims 70,000 members. “It has emerged as a major force of peace all over the globe, organizing many peace promoting activities,” claims the history page of a MANNAM leaflet. For the love of Taegukgi, the Korean flag, and the national flower Mugunghwa (the Rose of Sharon), MANNAM has emerged as an organization that not only glorifies volunteerism but also inspires world peace as the most active Korean NGO on the world stage. Some have accused MANNAM of being the front organization for Shincheonji to collect funds and recruit new members. But this is not the case, as the nature and scope of MANNAM is very different from that of Shinchonji. Shinchonji has its own strong base and thus does not need help from any other organizations to attract new members. Pastor Lee’s strong spiritual leadership is the real reason for the fast growth of the church.

Pastor Lee relies upon his own distinctive teachings to imbue his church with the dynamism needed to win hearts and minds. The most captivating message is that of peace for all mankind. “Let us love the global village which gives us light, rain and air of the sky,” said Lee at the World Peace Festival. “Love is able to make world peace and restore true light.”

Mr. Lee sometimes reminisces about his service during the Korean War as a young man. “I know well the reality of war as I had joined the army to avoid hunger,” he said. “I know very well what mankind wants and needs. I hold this festival to pray for the realization of world peace.” That is, without a doubt, a message with a universal appeal. A message that not even the most hardened skeptic could deny being relevant to our world.

Yong Hee Kwon
January 26th, 2013