Eastern Lightning (Church of Almighty God) and the Shincheonji Church of Jesus are dangerous cults that seek to deceive Christians through online Bible studies. Learn how to spot the signs of false teachings and stay rooted in Biblical truth.
Jesus gave clear warnings about false Christs and false prophets, especially in the context of the End Times. In the Gospels, He emphasised that many would try to deceive His followers by claiming to be the Messiah. “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them.” (Luke 21:8)
A modern example of this kind of deception is the Eastern Lightning cult, also known as the Church of Almighty God. Another is the Shincheonji Church of Jesus / New Heaven and New Earth Movement. Such groups seek to lure people into online Bible studies, using platforms like Facebook and Messenger with invitations to join WhatsApp groups.
While there are genuine, Spirit-filled opportunities to deepen our faith, we must stay vigilant and discerning, as cults and false teachers are actively trying to lead believers astray. Be cautious of such offers and always test the teachings against Scripture.
The danger of Eastern Lightning
Eastern Lightning, founded in China, claims that Jesus Christ has returned to earth in the form of a Chinese woman, whom they call ‘Almighty God.’ This alone contradicts the Bible, which clearly teaches that when Jesus returns, it will be in power and glory, visible to all (Matthew 24:30). The group uses a mixture of truth and lies to lure people into their beliefs, starting with innocent Bible studies before introducing their heretical teachings. The name ‘Eastern Lightning’ alludes to the Gospel of Matthew 24:27: “For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.”
The danger of Shincheonji (New Heaven and New Earth in English)
This group originates from South Korea and was founded by Lee Man-hee, a self-proclaimed messiah, whose followers believe he is immortal and infallible. They teach that their leader is the “promised pastor of Revelation” and they are the only true church through which salvation can be attained. They deny key orthodox Christian beliefs, such as the true divinity of Jesus, and are known for using deceptive Bible studies to recruit followers.
As a member of our Christians Living in the UK group shared: “Just a word of caution,” says Dave. “After finishing a Bible study, I went looking for a new one and found an online group led by some young people from America. At first, everything seemed fine, and they were really dedicated, focusing on parables and their fulfilment. However, something didn’t feel right, and I believe the Holy Spirit nudged me. I did some research and discovered that the study was a front for a cult called ‘New Heaven New Earth,’ which is the English-speaking branch of the Korean Shincheonji cult.
“They were deliberately deceptive, never revealing their true identity upfront and seem to target Christians who want deeper Biblical knowledge. They operate not just in America, but also in several cities across the UK. Their teachings may sound Christian, and they use the Bible, but they promote a distorted view where their leader claims to be the pastor from Revelation and deny the true divinity of Jesus. This cult is dangerous, and there are many reports and personal testimonies online, including YouTube, from people who have escaped their indoctrination. It’s something worth warning younger people about, as they are actively trying to pull people away from true Christianity.“
Experiences like these reflect a common strategy of cults: beginning with sound teaching and then gradually introducing falsehoods. These online Bible studies often appear well-meaning, but their ultimate goal is to recruit members into their deceptive ideology.
Signs of a false Bible study
Others in our Facebook group have encountered similar situations where online Bible studies turned out to be traps laid by groups like Eastern Lightning and Shincheonji. Here are some key warning signs to watch for:
- Reluctance to disclose the church’s name or doctrine: Many cults, including Eastern Lightning, often claim to be ‘non-denominational’ or deliberately avoid mentioning their church name to seem more appealing.
As Jay shared: “I asked them about their group and at first, they didn’t want to say, as they claimed to be a non-denominational church, but I insisted on knowing their church name, and they told me it was New Heaven New Earth, which I knew had a different doctrine…” - Pressure tactics: Cults often push participants to commit to more meetings, or to share personal information, creating a sense of urgency or exclusivity.
- Contradictory teachings: They may subtly introduce strange teachings, such as denying the bodily return of Jesus or promoting their leader as the Messiah. This is a clear red flag, as the Bible teaches that “many false prophets will appear and deceive many” (Matthew 24:11).
Protecting yourself from deception
As believers, it’s essential to remain vigilant and prayerful when engaging with online ministries. Remember these Biblical principles:
- Test the spirits: 1 John 4:1 instructs us, “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
Before committing to any group, carefully examine their doctrine, and ensure it aligns with Scripture. - Seek accountability in your local church: As Tracey wisely pointed out: “You should find a good Bible-believing church. You should then really only be involved in Bible studies in your own church, under your pastor who you can see and trust.”
- Listen to the Holy Spirit: Cults rely on deception, but the Holy Spirit is our guide into all truth (John 16:13). If you feel something is off, trust that prompting, as many in our community have experienced.
We must intercede for discernment and for those who fall into deception. As Sange prayed: “Holy Spirit, please expose and deliver us from deception and evil. I pray for strong discernment for the young and hungry, snatch them from the mouth of the lion.”
Join the conversation
If you’ve encountered similar situations or need support in discerning the truth, our Facebook group, Christians Living in the UK is a place to share, pray, and support one another. Let’s stand together in truth, encouraging one another and holding fast to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Also read: Fuel the Fire, a wake-up call for the Church to be revival ready