The story of the famous revival preacher's coming Shincheonji with the Revealed Word

The story of the famous revival preacher's coming Shincheonji with the Revealed Word

The following is the Shincheonji Saint's Confession.

I've been keeping my faith in spite of my parents' and parents-in-laws' persecution since when I began my faith at 7 year-old. I married to Buddhist family and my husband became a vegetable by accident when I was 43 year-old. 

A year later since then, I heard a voice saying "you are a servant of God." during my prayer at a prayer house. After many twists and turns I began to study theology at a local college.I studied the bible so hard that I never slept more than 2 hours a day. Around my graduation from the theological college, I pioneered a church in Seoul.

One day I saw vision during my prayer at a prayer house. From that time on, I became to have the gifts of healing. My church was in everybody's mouth to be overflowed by numerous people. After then I became a revival preacher at a church in cheong-ryang-ri. When I prayed for cancer patients they were thoroughly healed after shedding much blood. Nevertheless I conscientiously healed patients without being payed in case of needy churches.

One day when I was putting on my shoes standing down from a pulpit after a revival service, suddenly I was reminded of not knowing whether I was really saving people's souls or not. I was just pumping up a rubber balloon which would be no more than a flat one after slow puncture. Self-reproach pressed on me that I didn't feed my believers with properly enough spiritual food.

As if Paul considered everything he had known before as rubbish

A year later then, a deacon persuaded me to study the Bible. Despite of reading through the Bible 33 times, I began to study the Bible because of the pang of conscience without reason and the thought that I should know God more. 

Preparing a thesis for a doctorate I started to study Shincheonji Revealed Word. My thesis director used to state words not in the Bible that I had to write down every single words, but Shincheonji Zion Christian Mission Center really taught the Bible only. I made up my mind that 'Paul threw everything he had known away as rubbish'.Though I had a childish belief before,from now on I would be grown-up in my belief. Although in the beginning I resolved to become a best preacher after I go back to my former church with the Shincheonji Revealed Word which I've studied here, I finally transferred my church to here thinking that 'I should be adhesive here whether I live or not' as I studied more and more.

My thesis director was a very famous person throughout all over the nation. One day when I asked him to explain '666' in the Book of Revelation chapter 13, he answered me that It's American human clone. But I couldn't find out that '666' is a human clone anywhere in the Bible. From then I resolved to believe only the 66 Books of the Bible throwing everything such as the gifts of healing as rubbish.

As the teachings of freely giving because of freely taking

When I was a preacher, I was rich. I was given much contributions and rewarded generously for a visit on church member's house. But when I studied Shincheonji Revealed Word, I refused to be rewarded for anything. I walked because of no bus fares that my toenails had been off sometimes. This kinds of trials made me think the true way of faith that I appreciated for them. Worst of all I was announced 6 month definite period of my life left last year. But amazingly I became healthier after 6 month later. My daughter who persecuted me being indulged in unorthodox Shincheonji now acknowledged that 'God saved my mom'. Now my life truly belongs to God. I resolved to give freely since I received freely.

Ascertain whether it is a real unorthodox or not only after seeing and hearing

Now I believe in Jesus Christ for 59 years and have a faith in Shincheonji for 6 years. I have confidence that there is nowhere like this Shincheonji Revealed Word. How could it reveal the profound truth like this even after reading the same Bible!  In the established churches, believers are dedicating much fortune to the religious leaders that they even fall into debts. There is no place like Shincheonji Church's being transparent and clean. I surely want to bear witness to my fellow pastors, 'come on, see and hear to find out whether it is a real unorthodox or not.'

Shincheonji Voluntary Service for the world

Imparting The Light of Hope,The Warmth

 Total 43 Shincheonji Volunteers belonging to the Wha-gok Zion Church, Kim-po Church Voluntary Service of Bartholomew Tribe conducted Re-papering Services 5 times for the 5 indisposed elderly households living alone at wol-got village in Kim-po City for a last year.

A social welfare worker in Kim-po City says, "Shincheonji Volunteers are accustomed to the services that we leave everything in their hands. Throughout the last year Shincheonji Volunteers conducted the service works re-papering of the walls and ceiling of a room, covering the floor with oil-paper for the disabled and the indisposed elderly households living alone. I was also gratified to see them to be so much satisfied and be happy."

Turning to the neat and clean hopeful surroundings, one elderly expressed her gratitude to Shincheonji Volunteers saying " Thanks and feel sorry for your hard works.Only good things will be with you for your good doings." 

Shincheonji Voluntary Service conducts many service works throughout the whole nation well-matched to the fame 'Beautiful Shincheonji'. It could be experienced not only in the apparent refined diction and expression but also in the mind to serve and in the little behavior to take care others.

Shincheonji Voluntary Service is going to impart heartwarming warmth to the many people all around the world as  the True Light of the world and planning to conduct the Activity of the True Light brightening the Darkness. Amen. 

Shincheonji Ansan church Volunteers of the John Tribe

'Heavenly Love' Drawn on the Wall 

  by Shincheonji Ansan church Volunteers of the John  Tribe

Shincheonji Ansan church Volunteers of the John Tribe renewed the old and shabby worn-out surface of the wall in the community. Neighbors including foreigner and elder one came and helped drawing beautiful 'Heavenly Love' on the wall.

Before and after drawing 'Heavenly Love' on the wall was such a different appearance that passers-by would be glad and happy to see it.

Just as this case, Shincheonji Church is establishing ‘New Heaven and New Earth’ on the earth according to Heavenly Father's Will.

Beautiful Shincheonji; 

The Holy City of the Truth,

The Land of Righteousness and Justice,

The Land of Greatest Leaders.

Shinchonji: Europe Open Bible Seminar

[Shinchonji: Europe Open Bible Seminar]

'It was experiences of being reborn by the spirit'

All pastors pledged their desire to study the Bible through Shinchonji

On July 4th through the 8th, 2013, a seminar was held in Belgium with each countries pastors, leaders, and congregation members in attendance. As a result of the many requests from the pastors who had attended the previous open Word Seminar, titled 'From the Ends of the Earth, the East, to the West', which was held in Frankfurt and Berlin on the 7th and 12th of May, 2013. Instructor Lee, from the Republic of Korea, was able to give another energetic and passionate seminar. Those who were able to attend the seminar announced their desire to study the Bible through an Instructor of Shinchonji Church of Jesus.

In addition to this, after attending the seminar in Belgium, the pastor of the Atterbury Chapel Church, located in Frankfurt, was so much touched by what he heard that he offered his Church to hold the next seminar, held on the 8th of July. It was easy to see the reactions of enthusiasm on the faces of those who were in attendance. It was experiences of being reborn by the spirit and they pledged their desire to study the Bible through Shinchonji. The pastors who also heard this Revelation for the first time, being given from Mr. Lee, exclaimed their thoughts of how the whole world could hear these words, the words of the biggest event occurred in the world of Christianity since Jesus Christ. Married Pastors and congregation members, both proclaimed these not to be the works of man, but the works of the spirit. One could see all of them who attended there extremely impressed, inspired and touched by the fullness of the Testimony of Revelation in both sensually and spiritually.

It was as if, many who were previously asleep, were awoke at that moment in time and as though the spirit was testifying through the instructor all the Words of Truth. These Words of Revelation, which started in Korea, has stirred things up in Europe. Now, after hearing rumors of these seminars, pastors from America are sending invitations, requesting this instructor to come and speak. One of the largest churches in America, Sue Jung Church, held an open meeting inviting other pastors to attend. Next on the agenda is to welcome the Instructor to America in order to testify the Words of Revelation in New York and Los Angeles. As we can see from these large reactions, in the near future, the teachings of Instructor will be made known through the use of TV and other media and will spread throughout the whole world.

http://www.scjnews.net/news/view.asp?idx=105&msection=2&ssection=0

[Europe Open Bible Seminar] 

A broadcasting station received 80,000 letters of thanks, hosting live broadcast and replays

Chairman Lee’s European visit attracted much attention from the local press.

Leipzig TV (Leipzig Fernsehm) of Germany reported through an interview with Chairman Lee that, 'Mr. Lee is not an ordinary Christian, he proclaims to have been given the duty of testifying to the fulfillment of the Book of Revelation.' And also, "His name, ‘Man Hee’ means ‘Full of Light’ and ‘Shine,’ matching him very well,” they reported. Through this broadcasting the Chairman replied, 'I would like to say the following to all the Christian’s out there.  God’s Words in the Book of Revelation have been opened and fulfilled. Come and listen, and see for yourself.' And, 'If this is true, then this means that the Kingdom of Heaven is already here,' he said this important message to the whole world. 

North Berlin weekly newspaper, “Shinchonji does not match the title of 
'Cult.'"

A weekly newspaper in North Berlin spotlighted the content of the interview with Chairman Lee on the 17th, the Ascension Day. It reported, “The number of congregation members in large churches of the West is decreasing, but contrary to these events, one religious organization introduced itself by hosting a seminar last Saturday evening at the Ernst Reuter,” and introduced Shinchonji by saying, “The word, ‘cult’ is characterized as a neutral party in addition to being used  to describe a ‘new religious movement.’ When viewed in such context, this place called Shinchonji does not match the title of ‘cult.’”

In addition, “Mr. Lee is the Founder of about 300 Mission Centers around the world.  Since its establishment, 85,000 students have graduated and the cost of tuition is absolutely free. The standard of its education is the Bible and to explain it in detail, the Teachings of the Fulfillments of the Book of Revelation are taught here,” as the Chairman Lee and Shinchonji Mission Center are introduced.

Admiration from the Internet users of the world who watched the seminar view the Internet broadcast followed. Germany’s local internet broadcasting, called Jeet TV (jeet.tv), broadcasted a live coverage and also provided a ‘replay’ service to the 24-hour global video service website, Youtube (YouTube.com). Some of the comments written in the Internet website of those who did not even open a page in their Bible said, “How can one not be surprised,” and, “Who is this person?” In addition, the founder of this broadcasting network sent in a video message, “We have received 80,000 thank you letters. It is as if we have received a lot of love and a huge hug from the viewers”.

http://www.scjnews.net/news/view.asp?idx=8&msection=1&ssection=0

Correct understanding of the Bible and Shincheonji: The Immortal Kingdom of Heaven and a Mortal World

Correct understanding of the Bible and
Shincheonji: The Immortal Kingdom of Heaven and a Mortal World

The world is mortal. The universe is immortal and the angels of Heaven are immortal as well, but all the living creatures come to be and then disappear like the petals of a flower (Ps 103:15). A world in which living things die in regret, lament, tears, and agony, just as plants vanish, leaving seeds, and animals come and pass away leaving seeds as well, is a mortal world, isn’t it? Life is like a dream from which when you are awakened leaves you nothing. Everyone dies leaving his properties and powers behind. In the long history of the world, nothing has been everlasting, nor has been life eternal.

Jesus, whom God the Creator be with, came to this world. He possessed neither house nor money, and shared the pleasures and pains of his life with beggars and sinners (Mt 9:9~13). Jesus healed their pains and illnesses, taught them with the Words of Life, gave his life away on the cross, and only his soul was lifted up to heaven (Mt 27). Why did he depart from earth? Was it because heaven was a paradise which had only love and joy without any death and pain? Or was it because he couldn’t stay in such an evil world?

The teachings of God and Jesus was the lessons on how to live; to give forgiveness, love, and even life, and Jesus practiced all these teachings himself (Mt 22:35~40, Jn 13:34, Lk 17:3~4, 1Jn 3:14~16, Php 2:5~8). 

However, His Teachings can no longer be found in this world. On the contrary, lies, persecutions and curses are widespread on the internet cafes. Are those God’s Commands or the malicious slanders of the Devil Satan? There is no forgiveness, love or blessings found there. Would God, Jesus and his disciples like to stay in such a world as this? For how long should living beings in this world have been passed away in such agonies? Both God and Jesus know the pangs of death in this world.  

Prince Sukkamoni asked God about 4 different feelings of anguish in this life (birth, aging, sickness, and death) and recorded the answer he received from heaven in the Tripitaka Koreana. But there has been no Buddhist since who has taken notice of the instructions therein, by which he also prophesied Jesus’ Coming; that his teaching might be an Lamp without oil when Christ comes.

Exactly the same way, even though the future events are recorded in the Book of Revelation, no one has known the truth. Just like the Buddhists of today who only believe in their chief priests’ words and not in Sukkamoni’s words--even though they have faith in him, Christians also only believe in the words of their pastors and denominations, not in the words of God and Jesus.

True Faith is to believe in and keep the Words of God. The world is mortal, but God’s Words will never pass away, that is eternal and immortal(Mt 24:35). If I have God’s Words within me, it means that God is with me and I will become His offspring because His Word is the Seed of Life, His Spirit, and God himself. (Lk 8:11, Jn 1:1~4, Jn 10:35, Ac 17:29)

The Prophecy of the New Testament is to create the Kingdom of God by gathering His offspring when He returns(Rev 7), and capturing and imprisoning the Devil Satan into the Abyss for the first time in 6,000 years (Rev 20:2~3).

A 1000-year Kingdom (Millennial Kingdom), a Paradise without agony, sickness or death, which is a Union of the Spirit and Flesh, will be fulfilled (Rev 20:4~6, Rev 21:1~4). The Millennial Kingdom is a world without mortality, and its Residents are God’s Offspring, who have the Eternal Words God dwelling within them. This is the Prophecy of the New Testament, the New Covenant of God.

The law of heaven is love (1Jn 4:7~21). Like God and Jesus, let us love our neighbors as ourselves (Mt 22:35~40, Mk 12:28~33) and let us become saints of love and true priests, who are partakers with our neighbors in poverty and pains. Jesus gave himself up to save whole nations and people. Like him, let us offer ourselves as a Living Sacrifice (Ro 12:1), serving and giving love for the Kingdom of God. Amen.

http://www.shincheonji.kr/English/scj.php?sMenu=D2000&mode=view&no=235

 

Sincheonji Church of Jesus: volunteering and many other activities.

Sincheonji Church of Jesus: 

volunteering and many other activities.

Shincheonji church members cleaned the beach

located in Incheon. Shincheonji volunteers picked up the trashes along the beach despite the hot weather.

This is not their first time of volunteering for local community, but Shincheonji is always ready to do any kinds of helping and volunteering for the needy and the poor as well as local society's refreshing environments,

 

 such as sharing foods, painting the brick walls with beautiful colors and fresh themes. Through sacrificial volunteers, Shincheonji is being welcomed and accepted by local neighbors and inhabitants..

Shincheonji testifies to The Correct Understanding of Heresies and New Religions

Shincheonji testifies to 
The Correct Understanding of 
Heresies and New Religions 

What are the criteria to be considered a Heresy and a New Religion? 

Religion originated from God, and it teaches the Will of God. The author of the Bible, the Scriptures of Christianity, is God; He is the Founder of Religion. Therefore, the criteria of becoming Heresies and New Religions are God and the Bible. 

In the beginning God was with Adam, however, when Adam sinned, God left Adam and went to Noah (Ge 6). When judging between Adam and Noah, which of these two should be regarded as a heretic and a newly risen religion? From the Perspectives of God, the Origin of Religion, and His Words, Adam who left God and sided with the snake (Ge 3) was clearly a heretic and had formed a New Religion. It was not Noah, but Adam who deviated from the original path. Noah remained steadfast( Orthodoxy) from the View of God and his Words. 

The Descendants of Abraham, the Israelites, were proud of themselves for being the Chosen People of God. Despite their pride, they broke the Covenant (Jer 31:31~34, Hos 6:7) just like Adam (Ge 2:17, Ge 3). God sent Jesus (Jn 1:32) and had to bring the Physical Israelites to an End (Lk 16:16). The Physical Israelites swayed from God’s Path and chose a Different Path (New Religion) just like Adam. Thus, Jesus was the Orthodoxy, since God and his Words dwelt with him and the Physical Israelites were the Heretics. Jesus remained steadfast within the Origin of God’s Words. 

Spiritual Israel, which was created approximately 2,000 years ago, began through Jesus. Today the World of Christianity has also become corrupt like Adam. This action was already prophesied by Jesus in the 1st Coming (Lk 18:8). Christianity has returned to mere flesh, which is likened to the sun, moon, and stars falling from the sky and returning to dust (Mt 24:29, Rev 6:12~14). In the midst of this corruption, the Messenger of the Lord (Shincheonji Pastor) has appeared in accordance with Jesus’ Prophecies in the Book of Revelation (Rev 1:1~2, Rev 22:16). He (Shincheonji Pastor) has fought against and prevailed over Satan’s Lies (Rev 12:10~11), and has received the Revealed Word (Rev 10). He (Shincheonji Pastor) is the Advocate of Jesus, whom the Lord is with (Jn 14, Jn 16). This Advocate (Shincheonji Pastor) preaches about the Unchanging Lord and His Words, according to what the Lord has spoken. Therefore, the Religion this Advocate (Shincheonji Pastor) practices is not a Newly Risen Religion but a Religion of Jesus, as it is originated from the beginning. He (Shincheonji Pastor) cannot be considered a Heretic, but rather is the True Orthodoxy who has become one with the Lord. 

So to speak, whoever deviates from the Lord or his Word and goes down to a Different Path (Lies, Untruth) is a Heretic, and he is the one who forms a New Religion. Those who leave these kinds of people and choose to find the Lord and his Words, the place (Shincheonji: Holy City of Truth) where the Lord and his Words dwell, remain the True and Original Orthodoxy.

What is the evidence of either God’s presents or His absence? The evidence is whether God’s Word is present or not. The place where the worldly words and untruth (the Seed of Weeds) are taught is undeniably a denomination which has united with the Devil, not God. 

The person or place which has diverged from God, is standing on a Different Path without the Truth, persecutes, criticizes, measures, curses, and insults those (Shincheonji) who speak the Truth, is the true Heresy which has parted from the Original Religion. The True Orthodoxy and the Original Religion are the person or place (Shincheonji) where love, forgiveness, blessings, and the truth are found. 

I ask and pray that everyone reads this message and attains the Correct Understanding of Heresies and the Newly Risen Religions deviated from the Path of Truth. 

In conclusion, the True and Original Orthodoxy is the place (Shincheonji) where God and his Words are present. The Heresies are the places where God and his Words are absent. The places without God and his Words are the New Religions which have drifted away from the Original Religion of God. It is only when God who is the Origin of Religion returns that sinners can be restored, reborn, and recreated (Rev 21:1~6). 

Shincheonji, the God Promised Land, Heavenly Kingdom, is with God the Origin and His Words.
Therefore you should seek, ask and knock on the Heaven's Door of Shincheonji for your True Salvation and Eternal Life.
Amen.

http://www.shincheonji.kr/English/scj.php?sMenu=D2000&subject=religion&sfv=subject&mode=view&no=209

The Promised Pastor in Shincheonji who belong to God is totally different from False Prophets who belong to Satan

The Promised Pastor in Shincheonji who belong to God  is totally different from False Prophets who belong to Satan

The one (False Prophet) born of the earth speaks as one from the earth, but the one (Promised Pastor) who comes from above speaks about what he has seen and heard in Heaven. He (Promised Pastor) speaks God’s Words, and God gives him (Promised Pastor) the Holy Spirit without limit (Jn 3:31~34).Those who belong to the world listen to the words of the world, but they do not listen to God’s Words. Those (Shincheonji) who belong to God listen to God’s Words. This is how we can discern the Spirit of Truth from the Spirit of Deception (1 Jn 4:5~6). Furthermore, since God is love, those (Promised Pastor) who love belong to God, but those (False Prophets) who do not love do not belong to God. The fact that they (False Prophets) do not love is evidence that they (False Prophets) belong to Satan (1 Jn 4:7~8, 1 Jn 4:16).

Jesus said in Jn 15:18~19 that those (False Prophets) who belong to the world persecute those (Promised Pastor and his congregation Shincheonji) who belong to God. Mt 5:10~12 says something very similar: 'Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness … Rejoice and be glad, because great is your Reward in Heaven, for in the same way they (False Prophets) persecuted the Prophets who were before you.' Why do people persecute others? What is the reason? Regardless of whether you are talking about the past or the present, people who persecute others belong to the Devil Satan.

God told us to love, forgive, and bless others (Mt 18, 1 Jn 4). God sent His Son Jesus to die on our behalf (Jn 3:16), and that same Son Jesus gave up His life to save us from our sins (Jn 1:29, 1 Tm 1:15). Jesus taught us to love even our enemies, to feed them when they are hungry, and also to pray for them (Mt 5:44, Ro 12:20). Jesus also taught us to walk 2 miles with a person who forces us to travel 1 (Mt 5:41) and that hatred toward our brothers is tantamount to murder (Mt 5:21~22, 1 Jn 2:11, 1 Jn 3:15). He also said that people (False Prophets) who lie belong to the Devil Satan (Jn 8:44).

These are the commands of our Lord and the Scriptures cannot be broken (Jn 10:35). People will be judged according to the Words of the Bible (Rev 20:12). I earnestly pray that you will attain Salvation by becoming a Possession of God.

Talking about the Sealed Book, in the Old Testament, Isa 29:9~14 states that the entire vision is like a Sealed Book, because the Lord has poured out a spirit of deep sleep and their eyes are sealed and their heads are covered. The seers and prophets are all blind and do not know the vision. They are taught by man and honor God with their lips. They call Him 'Lord, Lord', yet their hearts are far from God. But the vision has a Time for its Fulfillment (Hab 2:2~3). At the Time of the Fulfillment God opened the scroll and gave it to the Son of Man to eat, and sent him to the corrupt Chosen People (Eze 2~3). That person was Jesus. Jesus, in his 1st Coming, received the Opened Scroll (Book) and fulfilled all that was promised (Jn 19:30).

Regarding visions of the Bible's New Testament, the Book of Revelation, in chapter 5 verses 1 to 4 point out that today’s Pastors (False Prophets) have become blind and that there is not anyone who knows the Book that is sealed with 7 Seals. What they know and teach is the historical (genetically passed down) teachings. When the vision is not revealed as reality, then there is no salvation for humanity and God and His Kingdom will not come to earth. This is the Word of a Person (Promised Pastor) who knows God's will and understands the Bible. 

The Book of Revelation is the Revelation of Jesus Christ (Rev 1:1), which records that if it is not kept, added to or taken out from, then that person cannot go to the Kingdom of Heaven and will be cursed (Rev 22:18~19). This is how it is, but why can't pastors (False Prophets) teach the Book of Revelation, the Revelation of Jesus? Or when they do, why do they teach it with people's thoughts and by human research? That is because they did not receive the Revelation and do not know the true meaning. If they do not know, will they be saved? No. They will not be saved. John went up to the Kingdom of Heaven (Rev 4) and stood in front of the Throne and saw that the Book was sealed and no one on earth or heaven could open it so he cried (Rev 5:1~4), because if the Book is not opened and God's Recorded Secret does not get fulfilled, then God's Hope and our Hope of Salvation will not be fulfilled. 

Today, Jesus opened all 7 Seals (Rev 6, Rev 8:1) and through the angel gave the Book to John so that he can deliver it to all nations and people (Rev 10:1~3, 8~10). In Jesus' 1st Coming, he received the Revelation God opened (Eze 2:8~3:3) and said that no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him (Mt 11:27), and that knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ who was sent is Eternal Life (Jn 17:3).

Today through Spiritual John (the Promised Pastor in Shincheonji: the One who overcomes) who received the Revelation from Jesus, the 12 Tribes, the 144,000 and the Great Multitude in White Robes receive the Revelation. Only then we will know God and Jesus. And we can obtain Eternal Life by following and keeping all of what Spiritual John (the Promised Pastor in Shincheonji) whom Jesus sent (as a messenger) testifies.

In the New Testament we seek Eternity and the Kingdom of Heaven. The New Testament is the New Covenant and is testifying and directing us to the One (the Promised Pastor in Shincheonji) who overcomes - that is Spiritual John. The Book of Revelation tells us that the One who sees and hears and is commanded (that is the One who overcomes) inherits and becomes God's Son (Rev 21:7). God, Jesus and the Kingdom of Heaven comes to the One (the Promised Pastor in Shincheonji) who overcomes and the Bread of Life, the Ruling and Judgmental Power are all given to the One (the Promised Pastor in Shincheonji) who overcomes (Rev 2~3).

The Time of the New Testament is the Era of the Fulfillment of the Book of Revelation. It is a Blessing to faithful people to meet the Promised Pastor in Shincheonji - the One who overcomes. Without paying attention to the One (Promised Pastor in Shincheonji) who overcomes there is no Salvation. This is the New Covenant which is the Prophecy of the New Testament, the Fulfilled Reality of today. Think of the Words of the New Testament as a teacher of faith and a path of faith, and then you will know and meet the Promised Pastor in Shincheonji - the One who overcomes. 

  For more info. come on~

  http://www.shincheonji.kr/English/scj.php?sMenu=D2000&mode=view&no=210

Shincheonji, Holy City of Truth: Explanation of some Biblical Words

Shincheonji, Holy City of Truth: Explanation of some Biblical Words

Agape:

The Greek word agape is often translated 'love' in the New Testament. How is 'agape love' different from other types of love? The essence of agape love is self-sacrifice. Agape love is unique and is distinguished by its nature and character.

Agape is love which is of and from God, whose very nature is love itself. The apostle John affirms this in 1 John 4:8: 'God is love.' God does not merely love; He is love itself. Everything God does flows from His love. But it is important to remember that God’s love is not a sappy, sentimental love such as we often hear portrayed. God loves because that is His nature and the expression of His being. He loves the unlovable and the unlovely, not because we deserve to be loved, but because it is His nature to love us, and He must be true to His nature and character. God’s love is displayed most clearly at the cross, where Christ died for the unworthy creatures who were 'dead in trespasses and sins' (Eph 2:1), not because we did anything to deserve it, 'but God commends His love toward us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us' (Ro 5:8). The object of God’s agape love never does anything to merit His love. We are the undeserving recipients upon whom He lavishes that love. His love was demonstrated when He sent His Son into the world to 'seek and save that which was lost' (Lk 19:10) and to provide Eternal Life to those He sought and saved. He paid the ultimate sacrifice for those He loves.

In the same way, we are to love others sacrificially. Sacrificial love is not based on a feeling, but a determined act of the will, a joyful resolve to put the welfare of others above our own. But this type of love does not come naturally to humans. Because of our fallen nature, we are incapable of producing such a love. If we are to love as God loves, that love—that agape—can only come from its true Source. This is the love which 'has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit given to us' when we became His children (Ro 5:5). Because that love is now in our hearts, we can obey Jesus who said, 'I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. As I have loved you, you should also love one another' (Jn 13:34). This new commandment involves loving one another as He loved us sacrificially, even to the point of death. But, again, it is clear that only God can generate within us the kind of Self-sacrificing Love which is the proof that we are His children. 'By this we have known the Love of God, because He laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers' (1 Jn 3:16). Because of God’s love toward us, we are now able to love one another.
              (http://www.gotquestions.org/agape-love.html)

 Apostle:

The word apostle means 'one who is sent out.' In the New Testament, there are 2 primary usages of the word apostle. The 1st is in specifically referring to the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ. The 2nd is in generically referring to other individuals who are sent out to be messengers/ambassadors of Jesus Christ.

The 12 apostles held a unique position. In referring to the New Jerusalem, Rev 21:14 states, 'The wall of the city had 12 foundations, and on them were the names of the 12 apostles of the Lamb.' The 12 apostles are also referred to in Mt 10:2, Mk 3:14, 4:10, 6:7; 9:35, 14:10, 17, 23, Lk 6:13, 9:1, 22:14, Jn 6:71, Ac 6:2, and 1 Co 15:5. It was these 12 apostles who were the 1st messengers of the gospel after the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. It was these 12 apostles who were the foundation of the church—with Jesus being the cornerstone (Eph 2:20).

This specific type of apostle is not present in the church today. The qualifications of this type of apostle were: (1) to have been an witness of the resurrected Christ (1 Co 9:1), (2) to have been explicitly chosen by the Holy Spirit (Ac 9:15), (3) to have the ability to perform signs and wonders (Ac 2:43, 2 Co 12:12). The role of the 12 apostles is to lay the foundation of the church.

Beyond the unique 12 apostles of Jesus Christ, there were also apostles in a generic sense. Barnabas is referred to as an 'apostle' in Ac 13:2 and 14:4. Andronicus and Junias are possibly identified as apostles in Ro 16:7. The same Greek word usually translated 'apostle' is used to refer to Titus in 2 Co 8:23 and Epaphroditus in Php 2:25. So, there definitely seems to be room for the term apostle being used to refer to someone besides the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ. Anyone who was 'sent' could be called an apostle.

In a sense, all followers of Jesus Christ are called to be apostles. We are all to be His ambassadors (Mt 28:18-20, 2 Co 5:18-20). We are all to be 'ones who are sent out' (Ac 1:8). We are all to be preachers of the Good News (Ro 10:15).
            (http://www.gotquestions.org/what-is-an-apostle.html)

Ark of the Covenant:

As a sign of God's covenant He had the Israelites make a box according to His own design, in which to place the stone tablets containing the Ten Commandments. This box, or chest, was called an 'Ark' and was made of acacia wood overlaid with gold. The Ark was to be housed in the inner sanctum of the tabernacle in the desert and eventually in the Temple when it was built in Jerusalem. This chest is known as the 'Ark of the Covenant.'

The real significance of the Ark of the Covenant was what took place involving the lid of the box, known as the 'Mercy Seat'. The term ‘mercy seat’ comes from a Hebrew word meaning 'to cover, placate, appease, cleanse, cancel or make atonement for.' It was here that the high priest, only once a year (Lev 16), entered the Holy of Holies where the Ark was kept and atoned for his sins and the sins of the Israelites. The priest sprinkled blood of a sacrificed animal onto the Mercy Seat to appease the wrath and anger of God for past sins committed. This was the only place in the world where this atonement could take place.

The Mercy Seat on the Ark was a symbolic foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice for all sin—the blood of Christ shed on the cross for the remission of sins. The Apostle Paul, a former Pharisee and one familiar with the Old Testament, knew this concept quite well when he wrote about Christ being our covering for sin in Ro 3:24-25: 'and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith.' Just as there was only one place for atonement of sins in the Old Testament—the Mercy Seat of the Ark of the Covenant—so there is also only one place for atonement in the New Testament and current times—the Cross of Jesus Christ. 
       (http://www.gotquestions.org/ark-of-the-covenant.html)

Book of Life:

Rev 20:15 declares, 'If anyone's name was not found written in the Book of Life, he was thrown into the Lake of Fire.' The Book of Life is the set of names of those who will live with God forever in Heaven. It is the Roll of those who are saved. This Book of Life is also mentioned in Rev 3:5, 20:12 and Php 4:3. The same book is also called the Lamb’s Book of Life because it contains the Names of those who have been redeemed by the Blood of the Lord Jesus (Rev 13:8, 21:27).No true believer should doubt his Eternal Security in Christ (Jn 10:28~30).

The Great White Throne Judgment described in Rev 20:11~15 is a Judgment for Unbelievers. That passage makes it clear that no one at that Judgment has his Name in the Book of Life (Rev 20:12~14). Since their Names are not in the Book of Life, their fate is sealed, their punishment is sure.

The Promise of Rev 3:5 is clearly that the Lord will not erase a name: 'He who overcomes. I will not blot out his Name from the Book of Life.' An Overcomer is one who is victorious over the temptations, trials, and evils of this world—in other words, one who is redeemed. The saved are written in God’s Registry and have the Promise of Eternal Security. God keeps good records. He knows His own, and He has set the Names of His children permanently in His book.
                      (http://www.gotquestions.org/hosanna.html)


Hosanna:

Hosanna is a word used in some songs of praise, particularly on Palm Sunday. It is of Hebrew origin and was part of the shout of the multitudes as Jesus entered Jerusalem: 'Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Lord! Hosanna in the Highest Heaven!' (Mt 21:9).

Hosanna is often thought of as a Declaration of Praise, similar to 'Hallelujah', but it is actually a Plea for Salvation. The Hebrew root words are found in Ps118:25, which says, 'O Lord, Save us; O Lord, grant us success.' The Hebrew words 'yasha' (=deliver, save) and 'anna' (=beg, beseech) combine to form the word that, in English, is 'Hosanna.' Literally, hosanna means 'I beg you to save!' or 'please deliver us!'

So, as Jesus rode the donkey into Jerusalem, the crowds were perfectly right to shout 'Hosanna!'. They were acknowledging Jesus as their Messiah, as shown in their Address 'Son of David.' There was a Cry for Salvation and a Recognition that Jesus is able to save.

Later that day, Jesus was in the temple, and the children present were again shouting, 'Hosanna to the Son of David!' (Mt 21:15). The chief priests and the teachers of the Law were displeased: 'Do you hear what these children are saying?’ They asked him. ‘Yes,’ replied Jesus, ‘have you never read, 'From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise'?' (Mt 21:16). In saying, 'Hosanna!' the people were crying out for Salvation, and that’s exactly why Jesus had come. Within a week Jesus would be hanging on a cross.
                  ( http://www.gotquestions.org/hosanna.html)

Crucifixion:

Crucifixion was an ancient method of execution in which the victim's hands and feet were bound and nailed to a cross. It was one of the most painful and disgraceful methods of capitol punishment.

Hallelujah:

The word Hallelujah is most familiar in the context of the 'Hallelujah Chorus' from Handel’s Messiah. Hallelujah is a Hebrew word meaning 'praise the Jehovah.' Hallelujah appears 4 times in the NIV. Phrases which appear over 50 times in the Old Testament and once in the New Testament. It is interesting to note, however, that in none of the places where 'praise the Lord' or 'praise Jehovah' appear are they a translation of the Hebrew Hallelujah.

What, then, is so special about the Word Hallelujah that it is only used in Rev 19? The scene in this passage opens in Heaven where a great multitude has gathered before the throne in the immediate Presence of God Himself, after the final overthrow of the enemies of the church and the Triumph of the Gospel. In such circumstances, it was fitting that all heaven should render praise and that a song of thanksgiving should be uttered in which all holy beings could unite. Reasons for this glorious outpouring of praise are God’s righteous victory over His enemies (Rev 19:1~3), His sovereignty (Rev 19:4~6), and His eternal communion with His people (Rev 7). The sound of the outpouring of praise and worship is so overwhelming that the apostle John can only describe it as the roar of rushing waters and loud peals of thunder.

So great is the rejoicing by God’s people at the Wedding Feast of the Bridegroom and the Bride that Hallelujah is the only word grand enough to express it. Handel’s version of the great chorus in heaven, as glorious as that music is, is only a feeble foreshadowing of the magnificence that will be expressed by the heavenly chorus as we sing 'Hallelujah, for the Lord God omnipotent reigns!'
                        (http://www.gotquestions.org/hallelujah.html)

Immanuel:

The Hebrew word 'Immanuel' means 'God with us.' Jesus of Nazareth and the Holy Spirit made that Old Testament promise come true. The word 'Immanuel' appears only 3 times in the Bible: Isa 7:14, 8:8, Mt 1:23.

Manna:

The food miraculously provided for the Israelites in the wilderness during their flight from Egypt. Spiritual nourishment of divine origin. The dried exudate of certain plants, as that of the Mediterranean ash tree, formerly used as a laxative. A sweet granular substance excreted on the leaves of plants by certain insects, especially aphids, and often harvested by ants.
                  (https://www.wordnik.com/words/manna)

Manna kept the Israelites alive in the desert for 40 years. This bread from heaven foreshadowed Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life Redemption. Redemption is an important concept in Christianity. This act always means going from one thing to another. Redemption takes a believer from the bondage of sin to new life in Jesus Christ.

Sin:

The Bible describes Sin as the breaking, or transgression, of God's Law. It is also defined as Disobedience or Rebellion against God, as well as Independence from God.

Sin is 'any want of conformity unto or transgression of the law of God' (1 Jn 3:4, Ro 4:15), in the inward state and habit of the soul, as well as in the outward conduct of the life, whether by omission or commission (Ro 6:12~17, 7:5~24). The moral character of a man's actions is determined by the moral state of his heart. The disposition to sin, or the habit of the soul that leads to the sinful act, is itself also sin (Ro 6:12~17, Gal 5:17, Jas 1:14~15).
           (http://www.christiananswers.net/dictionary/sin.html)

Amen:

The Hebrew word translated 'amen' literally means 'truly' or 'so be it.' 'Amen' is also found in the Greek New Testament and has the same meaning. Nearly half of the Old Testament uses of Amen are found in the Book of Deuteronomy. In each case, the people are responding to curses pronounced by God on various sins. Each pronouncement is followed by the words 'and all the people shall say Amen' (Dt 27:15~26). This indicates that the people applauded the righteous sentence handed down by their Holy God, responding, 'So let it be.' The Amen attested to the Conviction of the hearers that the sentences which they heard were 'true, just, and certain.'

7 of the Old Testament references link Amen with Praise. The sentence 'and all the people said, Amen, and Praised Jehovah' found in 1 Ch 16:36, typifies the connection between Amen and Praise. In Ne 5:13, 8:6, the people of Israel affirmed Ezra’s exalting of God by worshiping Him and obeying Him. The Highest Expression of Praise to God is Obedience, and when we say 'Amen' to His commands and pronouncements, our praise is sweet music to His ears.

The New Testament writers all use 'Amen' at the end of their epistles. The apostle John uses it at the end of his Gospel, his 3 Letters, and the Book of Revelation, where it appears 9 times. Each time it is connected with praising and glorifying God and referring to the 2nd Coming and the End of the Age. Paul says 'amen' to the Blessings he pronounces on all the churches in his Letters to them, as do Peter, John and Jude in their Letters. The implication is that they are saying, 'May it be that the Lord will truly grant these Blessings upon you.'

When we as believers say 'Amen' at the end of our prayers, we are following the model of the apostles, asking God to 'please let it be as we have prayed.' Remembering the connection between Amen and the Praise of Obedience, all prayers should be prayed according to the Will of God. Then when we say 'Amen,' we can be confident that God will respond 'so be it' and grant our requests (Jn 14:13, 1 Jn 5:14).
Amen~
  
                (http://www.gotquestions.org/amen.html)