In Shincheonji theology, “Actual Reality”(physical reality or physical fulfillment) refers to the physical, historical events that fulfill the prophecies of Revelation and other parts of the Bible. Rather than seeing biblical prophecy as entirely spiritual or symbolic, SCJ claims that all biblical prophecy must be fulfilled in real life—with specific people, locations, and events on earth.
This concept is foundational to their belief that:
❝ The Bible’s parables and prophecies are not only spiritually true, but they also have physical counterparts that must appear at the time of fulfillment. ❞
This is how Shincheonji separates itself from traditional Christian interpretation, claiming that their teachings are not just spiritual insight—but testimony of fulfillment witnessed in actual reality.
See Terms:
Unpacking “Actual Reality”: Revelation’s Grand Finale, Here and Now!
Ever wondered if biblical prophecies could literally unfold in our world today? For Shincheonji (SCJ), that’s not just a thought—it’s “Actual Reality”! This isn’t about vague predictions; it’s about the physical manifestation and precise fulfillment of what’s written in the Book of Revelation. Imagine a hidden blueprint suddenly becoming a tangible, real-life structure. That’s the essence of “Actual Reality”: a shift from veiled, figurative prophetic visions to discernible, physical events, people, and circumstances, finally bringing clarity to the “who, what, when, where, why, and how.”
The Core Idea: From Secret Parables to Plain Truth
Shincheonji teaches that God’s prophecies in the Bible, especially in Revelation, were often spoken in “figurative language” or parables. Why? To keep the “secrets of the kingdom of heaven” hidden until the right time (Matthew 13:10-17, Mark 4:11-12). But here’s the exciting part for SCJ believers: when the “Actual Reality” appears, this figurative language is finally explained “plainly.”
Jesus hinted at this, saying, “Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father” (John 16:25). Shincheonji believes this “plain speaking” is happening right now, delivered by the “promised pastor,” Lee Man Hee, often called the “New John” (The Explanation of Parables, p. 146).
Think of it like this:
- Vision Revelation: What the original Apostle John saw on Patmos – future events in a vision (The Creation of Heaven & Earth, p. 30).
- Physical Fulfillment Revelation / Actual Reality: What’s happening now – those very visions appearing in the physical world, witnessed by the “new John,” Lee Man Hee.
This idea is deeply tied to the “open scroll” from Revelation 10. SCJ interprets this as Lee Man Hee literally receiving and fully understanding Revelation’s content, becoming a “walking Bible” and “messenger of the covenant” (The Explanation of Parables, p. 147). This “open word” is the “Actual Reality,” now testified to the world.
Real-Life Examples: Revelation Unfolding Before Our Eyes
Shincheonji illustrates “Actual Reality” with various biblical narratives, pinpointing their contemporary fulfillments:
- Prophetic Figures and Groups: Those mysterious figures in Revelation? SCJ explains them as real people and groups. For instance, the “seven heads and ten horns” in Revelation 13 are interpreted as seven actual pastors and ten real authority figures appearing today. Even seemingly simple terms like “sheep,” “dog,” or “beast” become “Actual Realities” representing believers, betraying pastors, or those ignorant of God’s word.
- Biblical Events Fulfilled Today: Major biblical events, like the “war between God and the dragon” (Revelation 12) or the “judgment of Babylon” (Revelation 18), are seen as having physical fulfillments. The “great multitude in white” emerging from “great tribulation” (Revelation 7) is presented as a current or recent reality. Interestingly, while Chairman Lee Man Hee initially connected COVID-19 to the “great tribulation,” later statements framed it as a “catalyst” or part of an ongoing tribulation, showing how interpretations can clarify over time.
- The Ultimate Goal: New Heaven and New Earth (Shincheonji): The grand finale of “Actual Reality” is the creation of the “new heaven and new earth” (Revelation 21). Shincheonji identifies itself as this new kingdom and new people, the fulfillment of the Lord’s prayer and the physical Mount Zion (The Creation of Heaven & Earth, pp. 6, 30). This new creation, Shincheonji, was founded on March 14, 1984, in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, is considered the start of the Shincheonji Era (The Creation of Heaven & Earth, p. 32).
The Harvest (Matthew 13): The parable of the weeds and the wheat (Matthew 13:24-30, 37-39) is interpreted as a prophecy about a literal “harvest” during the “end times.” The “wheat” (believers “born again of the imperishable seed,” the “word of God”) are physically gathered into “God’s barn,” which is Shincheonji’s 12 Tribes.
Core Doctrinal Framework: A Linear Fulfillment
SCJ doctrine teaches the Bible is composed of three main eras:
- Era of Creation (the Physical Realm)
- Old Testament times, physical Israel
- Events and people were physical, not yet spiritualized
- Era of Jesus’ First Coming (the Spiritual Realm Begins)
- Jesus speaks in parables (Matt 13:34), hides the truth in metaphors
- He plants the seed of the gospel but does not complete all prophecy
- Era of Revelation’s Fulfillment (the Physical-Spiritual Realm)
- According to SCJ, Revelation is fulfilled not symbolically, but through actual historical events beginning in South Korea, involving real people and places
- This fulfillment is what they call the “actual reality” or “physical fulfillment”
Key Teaching: The Bible Is a Prophecy with a Physical Ending
In SCJ’s view:
- Parables and metaphors (like trees, mountains, beasts, stars) have spiritual meanings.
- But all of them are fulfilled literally through real people and events in one place—specifically through the work of Lee Man Hee in South Korea.
- This is the “reality” that students are taught to recognize: a geographical and historical fulfillment of every detail of Revelation.
This is why they say:
❝ We are not just studying the Bible—we are seeing the actual reality of God’s work unfolding before our eyes. ❞
Bible Verses SCJ Uses to Support “Actual Reality”
1. John 14:29
“I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe.”
➤ Interpreted by SCJ as proof that prophecy must be physically fulfilled in real life to be believed.
2. Revelation 1:1-3
“The revelation from Jesus Christ… to show his servants what must soon take place.”
➤ They interpret this as Jesus showing future events that must actually happen, not just be spiritualized.
3. John 19:30
“It is finished.”
➤ Used by SCJ to say that the Old Covenant was fulfilled in Jesus—but the New Covenant (Revelation) still required future fulfillment.
How “Actual Reality” Relates to Lee Man Hee
In SCJ theology, Lee Man Hee is the only person who has “seen and heard” the events of Revelation’s fulfillment—and thus is the only legitimate witness. This is central to “actual reality.”
From The Physical Fulfillment of Revelation, Page 10:
❝ Just as Moses saw and testified to the fulfillment in Exodus, and Jesus to the fulfillment of the New Testament, today there must be a witness to the events of Revelation who has seen and heard the actual fulfillment in reality. ❞
SCJ claims that just as Moses and Jesus fulfilled prophecy in the physical realm, Lee Man Hee now testifies to the events of Revelation that have occurred in actual history—in their view, beginning around 1984 in Gwacheon, South Korea.
Why “Actual Reality” Is Central to SCJ Belief
1. It Validates the SCJ Organization
- SCJ presents itself as the only church that has seen and received the fulfillment of Revelation.
- Therefore, all other churches are “Babylon” (Rev 17–18) and do not recognize the actual reality of fulfillment.
2. It Makes SCJ Doctrine Seem Irrefutable
- SCJ instructors say that if someone denies the fulfillment, they are denying reality itself, not just disagreeing with interpretation.
- This creates a high-pressure belief system: “If this is real, how can you walk away from it?”
3. It Reframes the Gospel
- Instead of salvation through faith in Jesus alone, SCJ teaches salvation comes by recognizing and believing in the fulfilled word through the “promised pastor.”
Real People, Real Places: The SCJ Timeline of Actual Reality
SCJ teaches that:
- Revelation’s events—like the betrayal in Rev 2–3, the war in Rev 13, and the harvest in Rev 14—have already occurred in South Korea.
- The 12 tribes of Shincheonji were established based on this fulfillment.
- Lee Man Hee is the one who received the “open word” after overcoming, as per Rev 2:26–28.
SCJ identifies specific Korean churches, people, and dates as the “real fulfillment” of the symbolic prophecies.
⚠️ Why Critics and Ex-members Challenge the Idea of “Actual Reality”
1. Non-verifiable Fulfillments
- SCJ’s “real” events often cannot be verified historically or are known only through internal testimony.
2. Changes in Doctrinal Timeline
- When predictions or interpretations do not match world events, the group often adjusts the interpretation post-hoc.
3. Exclusive Authority
- The insistence that only Lee Man Hee understands this “reality” creates a dependency on him rather than Scripture.
Summary in Plain Words
“Actual reality” in SCJ is their way of saying:
“The Bible isn’t just theory—it’s already being fulfilled in real time, through real events and people you can identify today. And our leader saw it firsthand.”
But instead of using Scripture to lead people to Christ through faith, this doctrine leads people to Lee Man Hee through a very specific interpretation of recent history. For SCJ, this “reality” is proof that they are the only ones who truly understand God’s will.
Additional References for more Exploration
In essence, “Actual Reality” is the observable, historical unfolding of what was prophesied. It is often referred to as the “reality of the fulfillment” or “physical fulfillment” (e.g., The Physical Fulfillment of Revelation, p. 4). This stands in contrast to the “vision revelation” received by the original Apostle John (e.g., Book – The Creation of Heaven & Earth, p. 30). While John saw future events in a vision, the “Actual Reality” is the appearance of those events in the physical world, witnessed by the “new John,” Lee Man Hee.
The concept is deeply intertwined with several other key Shincheonji terms and themes:
- Figurative Language vs. Plain Speech: Shincheonji teaches that God spoke in parables and figurative language to conceal the “secrets of the kingdom of heaven” until the appointed time (Matthew 13:10-17, Mark 4:11-12). When the “Actual Reality” of these prophecies appears, the figurative language is explained plainly. Jesus himself alluded to a time when he would “no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father” (John 16:25). This transition from hidden parables to revealed “Actual Reality” is a cornerstone of SCJ’s interpretation.
- The Open Scroll/Word: The prophecies of Revelation were “sealed” until the time of fulfillment. Shincheonji teaches that in the last days, a “promised shepherd” (Lee Man Hee) receives an “opened scroll” (Revelation 10) containing the revealed word. This “open word” is the “Actual Reality” of the prophecies, and it is through this revealed understanding that believers can genuinely perceive God’s will (e.g., ParableBook_SCJ_readable, pp. 146-147).
- The Creation of New Heaven and New Earth: The ultimate “Actual Reality” is the creation of a “new heaven and new earth” (Revelation 21), which Shincheonji identifies as New Spiritual Israel, specifically located in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, Republic of Korea. This is seen as the completion of God’s 6,000-year work of re-creation, where the spiritual Holy City New Jerusalem descends and unites with the physical new heaven and new earth (e.g., Book – The Creation of Heaven & Earth, pp. 6, 30). This new creation is Shincheonji itself, founded on March 14, 1984, which is considered the first year of the Shincheonji Era.
Examples and Biblical Support for Actual Reality
Shincheonji uses various biblical narratives and their contemporary fulfillment to illustrate “Actual Reality”:
- The Harvest (Matthew 13): One of the primary examples used to explain “Actual Reality” is the parable of the weeds and the wheat in Matthew 13:24-30, 37-39. This parable, according to Shincheonji, has a prophetic meaning that points to the “harvest” in the “end times” or “second coming”. The “wheat” represents those “born again of the imperishable seed, which is the living and enduring word of God,” who are “harvested” and gathered into “God’s barn” (Shincheonji) (e.g., SCJ Bible Study 2024, pp. 1, 2577). The “weeds” are gathered and burned. This “harvest” is not symbolic; it is the “Actual Reality” of people being physically gathered into Shincheonji’s 12 Tribes.
- The Sequence of Betrayal, Destruction, and Salvation: This linear progression is central to understanding Revelation’s “Actual Reality”.
- Betrayal: The initial “chosen people” (represented by the “seven messengers” or “seven stars” of the Tabernacle Temple) break their covenant with God.
- Destruction: False pastors and organizations, depicted as “destroyers” or the “beast” (like the “Nicolaitans”), invade and corrupt the chosen people. This is seen as a “spiritual war” fought with “words of doctrine”.
- Salvation: The “one who overcomes” (Lee Man Hee) defeats these destroyers and establishes the new kingdom of God, Shincheonji, formed of the 12 Tribes. This entire sequence is presented as a physical, historical reality that Lee Man Hee witnessed.
Lee Man Hee’s testimony is the bedrock of understanding “Actual Reality.” He asserts that he has personally “witnessed the fulfillment of the prophecies of Revelation” and recorded these experiences. His writings are the authoritative source for these teachings:
- Lee Man Hee, The Physical Fulfillment of Revelation (Shincheonji Press): This book directly addresses the “reality and the explanation thereof” of Revelation’s prophecies. Lee Man Hee states that he testifies “in detail according to the reality and truth I have witnessed and the explanation I have received from the spirit” (p. 9). He also explains the concept of “eating the open book” (p. 220), signifying a complete understanding of Revelation’s content.
- Lee Man Hee, The Reality of the Revelation (First Printed: November 5, 1993; First Published: November 10, 1993; English Translation: May 15, 1995; Translated by Cho, Choong Hee; Published by Lee, Jun Geon, Shin Cheon Ji Publishing Co.): Lee Man Hee states this book is “a record of what I have heard and seen, which has become the reality in this present day” (p. 1). He explicitly notes, “All the happenings in the Revelation have been being realized since 1980 up to now as the whole words of the Revelation, at Gwachon City, Kyunggi-Do, Republic of Korea” (p. 10).
- Lee Man Hee, The Creation of Heaven & Earth (Shincheonji Press, Published: November 25, 1999, Publication No. 36; Author: The Advocate Manhee Lee): This work further elaborates on the creation of “New Spiritual Israel” and links it directly to the physical landscape of Gwacheon. It states, “Physical fulfillment revelation appears when the vision revelation is fulfilled to become a physical reality” (p. 30).
Lee Man Hee, The Explanation of Parables (Shincheonji Press, First Edition: July 19, 2021; Author: Advocate-Manhee Lee; Design by The Design Team of the Department of Culture, General Assembly; Production by The Department of Education, General Assembly): This book elucidates how Jesus’s parables, once figurative, are now understood in their “true meaning” due to the appearance of their “physical entities of that reality (fulfillment)” (p. 146).
The concept of “Actual Reality” is deeply embedded in SCJ’s educational methodology and forms the core of its Bible study:
- Deciphering Figurative Language: Early courses focus on mastering biblical parables, gradually “unveiling” their “true meanings.” The “Actual Reality” only comes into focus once these parables are “opened.”
- The 5W1H Method: A super helpful tool for pinning down prophetic fulfillment! SCJ uses this to identify the “Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How” of events. For example, the “7 stars of the Tabernacle Temple” are identified as specific people (“Who”), who taught (“What”) in 1966 (“When”) in Gwacheon, South Korea (“Where”), to prepare for the Lord’s Second Coming (“Why”), after Jesus appointed and taught them (“How”).
- Progressive Understanding: The curriculum builds systematically. “Bible Basics” gets students ready for the “solid food” of the “Center Course,” which dives deep into Revelation’s prophecy and fulfillment.
Personal Testimony as Proof: The testimony of Lee Man Hee (New John) who “saw and heard” the events directly is crucial for establishing “Actual Reality.” This firsthand account is presented as verifiable evidence, transforming belief from mere anticipation into concrete realization and action.
SCJ champions “Actual Reality” as the ultimate truth, essential for salvation and discernment:
- Salvation and Discernment: Understanding “Actual Reality” is vital for knowing God and Jesus and attaining eternal life. It empowers believers to distinguish truth from lies, identifying those aligned with God versus Satan.
- Evidence of God’s Existence: The fulfillment of prophecies is presented as “clear evidence of God’s existence” and proof of God’s promises. Shincheonji itself is deemed “the physical reality” of those who kept the new covenant.
- Progression and Clarity: SCJ holds that as prophecies are fulfilled, the testimony about God’s word becomes “more and more clear.” The promised pastor can only testify to what has already occurred, with future events explained in parables until their physical manifestation. This explains any perceived “missteps” not as errors, but as progressive revelation.
However, it’s also important to acknowledge external perspectives and criticisms regarding SCJ’s claims of “Actual Reality”:
- Narrow Definition of Reality: Critics argue that SCJ’s definition of “reality” is overly specific, limiting it only to the physical fulfillment of prophecy and dismissing other real-world occurrences as “not reality” in that particular context.
- Lack of Verifiable Evidence: Despite claims of “Actual Reality” being tangible, critics contend that evidence for supernatural causation or existence behind these events is primarily anecdotal, relying on Lee Man Hee’s personal testimony without independent verification.
- Pattern-Matching vs. Truth: While SCJ is recognized for its skill in “identifying and creating linguistic patterns” in the Bible and connecting them to events, critics question whether pattern recognition alone equates to objective truth, arguing it requires independent evidence of correspondence to reality.
- Adding/Subtracting from Scripture: Critics assert that SCJ adds meanings and interpretations not explicitly stated in the Bible, particularly when linking prophecies to specific modern events and individuals, despite their claim to teach “without adding or subtracting.”
- Changing Doctrines: Instances where SCJ’s teachings on prophetic fulfillment appear to have shifted over time (e.g., Revelation 7, “Great Tribulation”) raise questions about the consistency and reliability of their “revealed word.”
- Salvation through a Human Leader: Critics highlight that SCJ’s doctrine, particularly the emphasis on salvation “only through the one who overcomes” (Lee Man Hee), deviates from traditional Christian belief in salvation through Jesus Christ alone.
- Exaggerated Growth Claims: While SCJ uses its rapid growth as “proof” of God’s presence, critics view this as an “appeal to popularity fallacy,” suggesting that growth may stem from deceptive recruitment tactics or exaggeration rather than purely divine validation.
In a nutshell, for Shincheonji, “Actual Reality” is the tangible, verifiable fulfillment of biblical prophecies happening right now, testified by Lee Man Hee as the “New John” or “promised pastor.” This concept forms the bedrock of their doctrine of salvation, their unique interpretive methods, and the very identity of Shincheonji as God’s new kingdom. However, it’s also a concept that invites critical analysis regarding its empirical basis and theological implications.
References
- Lee Man Hee, The Physical Fulfillment of Revelation (Shincheonji Press)
- Lee Man Hee, The Reality of the Revelation (First Printed: November 5, 1993; First Published: November 10, 1993; English Translation: May 15, 1995; Translated by Cho, Choong Hee; Published by Lee, Jun Geon, Shin Cheon Ji Publishing Co.)
- Lee Man Hee, The Creation of Heaven & Earth (Shincheonji Press, Published: November 25, 1999, Publication No. 36; Author: The Advocate Manhee Lee)
- Lee Man Hee, The Explanation of Parables (Shincheonji Press, First Edition: July 19, 2021; Author: Advocate-Manhee Lee; Design by The Design Team of the Department of Culture, General Assembly; Production by The Department of Education, General Assembly)
Please take the time to check the Bible verses we’ve provided as references. Use them as a guide for your own understanding and discernment. It’s important to verify and confirm information with external sources, witnesses, and experts to ensure validity and transparency. Additionally, remember to pray for wisdom as you seek to identify any errors and ensure that your understanding aligns with biblical teachings.