The stir caused by the recent graduation of 5945 students

Following completion of an intensive six-month Bible study programme, 5945 students graduated from Zion Christian Mission Center Class 108 of Shincheonji Church of Jesus in Gwacheon, Korea, on Sunday 18th November. Friends and family attended the graduation ceremony and theology academics were invited to speak. It also showcased beautiful dance performances with impressive visuals.

The fact that the number of graduates was so high is an implicit rejection of the teachings of the established denominations in Korean Christianity today. The six-month Bible study taught at Zion Christian Mission Center covers the Bible in its entirety from Genesis to Revelation with the themes of history, instruction, prophecy and fulfilment. It is only through perceiving the process of prophecy and fulfilment that one can plainly perceive the will of God. Everything is taught according to the Bible without any external commentaries. In theological seminaries, on the other hand, students are only taught man’s different interpretations of the Bible without being able to provide any evidence of the fulfilment/reality of the prophecies recorded in the New Testament. Moreover, all 5945 graduates at Shincheonji Church of Jesus passed a stringent examination process, demonstrating a solid understanding of the word of God. It is no exaggeration to say that the Biblical knowledge of these graduates far exceeds that of any theologian in the Christian world anywhere. Such a bold statement can only be made because Shincheonji Church of Jesus has appeared according to the promises of the New Testament.

The rapid growth of Shincheonji Church of Jesus has been perceived as a threat to the vested interests of the existing church in Korea. The Christian Council of Korea (CCK), which has slandered Shincheonji Church of Jesus for years, has used Christian Broadcasting System (CBS) and other Christian media as trumpets to spread lies to the people of Korea in an attempt to keep firm hold of their position and authority within the toxic mesh of religion and politics. Such allegations have been ruled as false and groundless by the Supreme Court. CCK - currently embroiled in deep division as 531 of its pastors have been convicted of crimes including fraud, forgery, sexual assault and even murder over the last four years - is fast losing its congregation as they perceive their lies. They once numbered 12million at its peak and have now fallen to 1.8million.

In spite of such resistance, Shincheonji Church of Jesus continues to grow rapidly with an average annual increase of 20,000 people. According to a survey carried out by Shincheonji Church of Jesus that involved a sample of 2000 graduates, the reasons are clear. 72.6% (1453) were “very satisfied” with the teachings of the Bible and 22% (441) were “satisfied”. Only seven students were "unsatisfied" and four "very dissatisfied” (0.5% total). The reasons why graduates were so pleased with the teaching were due to "high standards" (79.45%:1589), "systemised curriculum" (9.8%:196), "individually-tailored teaching" (6.1%:122), "miscellaneous" (4.65%:93) and "free education without cost" (2.45%:49). It should be noted that 27.7% (544) of the total sample responded that they received interruptions and persecution by friends and family during the six-month Bible study, but the reason they endured through it is because of “the logic of the word" (88.2%).