Lesson 11 of the Shincheonji Online Bible Seminar
Many readers of the Bible have paused at passages describing seas, fishing nets, ships, and fish, sensing that these images mean more than they first appear. Why does Scripture repeatedly return to scenes of fishermen casting nets into the sea? Why do major prophetic events unfold on ships, rivers, or vast waters? Lesson 11 of the Shincheonji Online Bible Seminar takes a closer look at these familiar images and invites viewers to read them not as simple stories, but as carefully layered symbols that describe the spiritual condition of the world and humanity’s place within it.
The seminar begins by exploring the figurative meaning of the sea. While the physical sea is a place where many waters gather, its water cannot sustain life. In the same way, the Bible describes a spiritual sea—a world filled with countless voices, teachings, and doctrines. Drawing from passages such as Daniel 7 and Revelation 17, the lecturer explains that the sea represents the world where many words are mixed together, often under the influence of falsehood. The imagery is striking: just as drinking seawater leads to thirst and harm, accepting teachings not grounded in truth leads to spiritual confusion. This opening perspective reframes familiar prophecies and sets the tone for understanding how the Bible portrays the world at the time of judgment.
From there, the seminar moves into one of Jesus’ most well-known metaphors: “I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). Rather than treating this as poetic language alone, the lecture carefully explains the symbolic roles within the image. The fisherman represents a shepherd or evangelist, the net represents the Word of God, and the fish represent people living in the world. Passages such as Matthew 13:47–48 and Habakkuk 1:14 are used to show that humanity is often described collectively as fish in the sea, waiting to be gathered. The act of fishing, then, becomes a picture of how people are reached, taught, and guided through the Word.
A particularly thought-provoking section focuses on the distinction between good fish and bad fish. Being caught by the net does not automatically mean being kept. According to Matthew 13:49–50, separation takes place at the end of the age, when the righteous and the wicked are distinguished. The seminar does not dwell on judgment imagery in a dramatic way, but instead highlights a quiet yet serious message: hearing the Word is not the same as living by it. This part of the lecture gently challenges listeners to reflect on what it means to truly understand and follow God’s will, rather than merely being part of a crowd.
The symbolism expands further with the introduction of the figurative ship. In Scripture, ships often represent organized groups or communities, and the seminar connects this idea to Noah’s Ark—a vessel built according to God’s Word that led to salvation during judgment. Jesus’ words in Matthew 24 suggest that similar patterns will appear again. The lecture contrasts ships that lead to salvation with ships that are destroyed, as described in Revelation 8. This comparison encourages viewers to consider not just whether they are “on a ship,” but where that ship is headed. The idea is presented thoughtfully, without pressure, allowing the symbolism to speak for itself.
Another layer is added through the explanation of captains, sailors, and passengers. Drawing from Revelation 18, the seminar explains how each role functions symbolically within a spiritual organization. Leadership, workers, and congregation members all share responsibility for direction and destination. The image underscores a recurring theme of the seminar: faith is not passive. Direction matters, guidance matters, and alignment with the Word matters.
As the lecture progresses, it introduces a contrast between two kinds of seas. One is described as a “sea of glass, clear as crystal” before God’s throne (Revelation 4:6), representing purity and truth. The other is the turbulent sea ruled by deception. This contrast is not fully unpacked in detail during the overview, but it opens a doorway to deeper reflection on what it means to be cleansed by truth rather than overwhelmed by confusion.
Toward the latter part of the seminar, attention shifts to prophetic imagery that hints at restoration and healing. Ezekiel 47 describes water flowing from the temple, transforming salty waters into fresh, life-giving seas filled with fish. The seminar presents this as a spiritual prophecy, suggesting that truth flowing from a true source has the power to heal what was once corrupted. Yet the full explanation of how this prophecy is fulfilled—and what it means in today’s world—is intentionally reserved for the complete lecture.
Rather than concluding with definitive answers, Lesson 11 leaves viewers with carefully framed questions. What kind of sea are we living in today? From where does the water we drink spiritually come? And how can one distinguish between truth that gives life and teachings that merely appear convincing? These questions are not meant to overwhelm, but to invite deeper exploration.
For readers interested in understanding biblical symbolism beyond surface-level interpretation, this seminar offers a structured and reflective approach. Its strength lies in connecting Scripture with Scripture, allowing the Bible’s own language to explain itself. The final insights—particularly those related to fulfillment and the disappearance of the sea described in Revelation 21—are only briefly introduced, making the full video essential for anyone who wants to grasp the complete message.
👉 Watch the full seminar here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-G9nNeTd_5c&list=PLVRlTvy-2dtrohnft607RAO2mbf-b07ni&index=10
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