2000 years ago, when Jesus entered Jerusalem on the colt of a donkey, the crowds spread their cloaks and tree branches on the road and welcomed Jesus while shouting “Hosanna” (Matthew 21:1-11, Luke 19:28-44). Today, in the far corner of the East, in the Republic of Korea, the shouts of 'hosanna' are resounding in a scene reminiscent of the first coming, as congregants of Shincheonji Church of Jesus gathered 4km from the Cheongju church in the blazing sun waving palm branches with flags symbolising the 12 tribes of Shincheonji and pickets that read “Glory in heaven, peace on earth”. Believers warmly welcomed Chairman Lee with the belief that he is the ‘promised pastor who appeared according to the Bible’ when the Book of Revelation was fulfilled, and the ‘promised pastor who testifies to the Book of Revelation that Jesus fulfilled.’
On that day, Chairman Lee testified the 6000-year history of the Bible, with about 100 local pastors in attendance.
Chairman Lee said:-
“When God fulfils this prophecy, shouldn’t the reality of what was prophesied be revealed? Then, when the reality is revealed, those who have the words of this prophecy can recognise the reality through the prophecy. You have to know this to be saved. That is why you cannot add or subtract from the Book of Revelation... Now that the time has come to fulfil the Book of Revelation, Jesus has fed this individual (I, the Chairman) the opened scroll in Revelation Chapter 10, showed him all the fulfilled realities up to Revelation Chapter 22, and told him to go to the churches and testify what was seen and heard.”
At the end of the sermon, Chairman Lee said, “It is written that if you add to or subtract from the Book of Revelation, you will not be able to enter heaven. Would God have lied?” and encouraged, “Pastors, let’s learn the Book of Revelation and receive blessings together.”
Reflecting on the day's events, So-yeon Kim, a Shincheonji Daejeon Church member, said:-
“As it says in the Book of Revelation, this place is called the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony where all nations will gather. So since God and Jesus are here, I think it’s natural that all nations will gather where the promised pastor goes.”
Just as Jesus preached peace at his first coming in accordance with the Old Testament promise to “bring good news and proclaim peace” (Isaiah 52:7), Shincheonji believers believe that Chairman Lee is doing works of peace in accordance with the New Testament promise, working tirelessly to create a peaceful world where God will reign (Rev 19:6).
Ha-eun Kim, a member of Cheongju Church said:-
“I don’t think you can call for peace if you don’t love people with all your heart. Despite being advanced in years, the Chairman is setting an example by creating a country where the whole world can become one, where there is happiness and peace, and where God is present.”
Despite being nearly 94 years of age, Chairman Lee has visited a total of 40 churches domestically and abroad this year alone to listen to the voices of the faithful and create a better religious environment for them. Whenever the Chairman visits a church on Sundays and Wednesdays, he stands on the pulpit to testify the Word of God with conviction, preaching powerfully for about an hour, centred on the Book of Revelation.
As Shincheonji Church of Jesus prepares the fourth graduation ceremony of 100,000 members, Chairman Lee's commitment to the faith and love for the congregations inspires congregants everywhere.
This scene is really amazing. Shincheonji is very great.
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