The Shincheonji cult

There are actually a very high number of cults in South Korea that try to appear as Christian. 

Shincheonji Church of Jesus, also known simply as Shincheonji, has gained attention for its controversial practices and has been accused of using various methods, including social media, to attract new members. Those joining their "studies" don't realize they're being tucked into a cult and by the time they're in it, they won't realize it. There has been an effort on the part of some Christians to expose them online, and many Christian social media groups do not allow members to post advertising for Bible study links to help prevent members from being lured into a cult. *Note there are cultists who get into these groups and eventually expose themselves & get booted out. 

Shincheonji cult has several teachings that differ significantly from Christian beliefs. Here are a few key differences:

1. **Christology**: Shincheonji teaches that its founder, Lee Man-hee, is the promised "Advocate" or "Messiah" who fulfills biblical prophecies. This contrasts with Christianity, which holds that Jesus Christ is the sole Savior and Messiah.

2. **Interpretation of Scripture**: Shincheonji employs a false interpretation of the Bible, particularly the Book of Revelation, which they believe reveals hidden meanings that only "their" leader can explain. In contrast, Christianity generally emphasizes the Holy Spirit teaches us Scripture, and of the priesthood of all believers and encourages individual interpretation of Scripture.

3. **Salvation**: Christianity teaches salvation by grace through faith alone (sola fide) per Scripture, Shincheonji teaches that one must be part of their organization and follow its teachings to achieve salvation. This can be seen as a works-based approach, as it emphasizes adherence to specific doctrines and practices.

4. **Eschatology**: Shincheonji has a distinct eschatological view, believing that the end times are unfolding in the present and that their church is the fulfillment of biblical prophecy. Christianity has different interpretations of end times, but focus on the return of Christ and the final judgment. 

Overall, Shincheonji's teachings are not in line with biblical Christian beliefs, particularly in their views on authority, salvation, and interpretation of Scripture. 

Avoid this cult. 

If you are looking for Bible studies, you should be going to them at your own local Bible church which you are a member of. The Pastor and teacher-leaders there are given by God to the church to train you up in the truth of Scripture. Their teachings are vetted as biblically sound. Your first study there should be a Baptism class (once you get saved you go to church, get baptized and are added to the church membership). Then the church is, per Scripture, called to disciple you. You go to Sunday school, attend the worship where sermons are given (as a sort of lecture in depth study), also there are mid week worship services and home fellowship Bible studies, as well as studies for the youth, women, men, and fellowships for singles, marieds and parents. These safe studies are where you should be, not out running around joining & embracing unvetted studies and material. Your church teaches biblical truth, and in doing so keeps you safe within biblical orthodoxy, so you dont go wandering off "anywhere and everywhere" where you can easily be decieved by subtle doctrines of demons taught by false teachers& their followers. Not every church or person who claims to be Christian is. There's are a lot of false churches and false teachings that people fall into and embrace. The local church is there to protect and feed you the truth. 



Resources:
A directory to find a Christian church. 



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