The Escape from Darkness

[Ramon, Co Moderator]

Okay – it took me awhile to find that what you were referring to isn't in chapter 4 – but, Subsection 4 of chapter 1 - “The Escape from Darkness” - so I will make a separate folder for that topic.

ACIM states: “The emptiness engendered by fear must be replaced by forgiveness. That is what the Bible means by “There is no death,” and why I could demonstrate that death does not exist. I came to fulfil the law by reinterpreting it. The law itself, if properly understood, offers only protection. It is those who have not yet changed their minds who brought the “hell-fire” concept into it. I assure you that I will witness for anyone who lets me, and to whatever extent he permits it. Your witnessing demonstrates your belief, and thus strengthens it. Those who witness for me are expressing, through their miracles, that they have abandoned the belief in deprivation in favor of the abundance they have learned belongs to them.” T-1.IV.4.

Okay – he is making reference to statements recorded in the Bible. More specifically – The New Testament. Jesus demonstrated that death could not hold him when he was raised from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion. The law he was referring to was the law of Moses, which the Jewish leaders had, over time, misinterpreted the law to their people. So, Jesus reinterpreted the law to what it was meant to be. In that day, the law of Moses was used to as a means of providing peace of mind to the Jewish people to deal with their errors (that is - their sins). The protection it offered was against their belief of going to hell. The term 'witnessing' along with the term 'demonstrates' – at least how I understand it – is doing what Jesus had his apostles do – being of one mind with Him (Jesus) by spreading the word (truth) and healing the sick (correcting error).

You know, when I first read ACIM, about 15 years ago, I was amazed at how close it followed the spiritual plan found in the Bible. As I have read and studied the Bible nearly my entire life, it was not to hard for me to see and follow the parallel. The Jewish leaders of Jesus' day aren't so different from the religious leaders of today. Just something to think about.

I hope this helps you out and if you want, we can discuss this further. If you see something that I have overlooked, please let me know.

[Angelanadine]

Just to clarify, what is the law of Moses? What is the re-interpreted version of Jesus?

I ask to clarify, but also for future reference. And yes, it was subsection 4 of Ch 1, sorry for the confusion, and thank you kindly for your detailed response!

Nadine

[Ramon, Co Moderator]

Angelanadine wrote: "Just to clarify, what is the law of Moses? What is the re-interpreted version of Jesus?

I ask to clarify, but also for future reference. And yes, it was subsection 4 of Ch 1, sorry for the confusi..."

Moses spoke 613 laws, the scholars took the time to count each and every law spoken by Moses.
Moses himself declared that God gave him 10 commandments written stones tablets to which Moses built an Ark of Covenant to keep it in

Jesus spoke many of the laws given by Moses within the gospels of Matthew and Luke, however Jesus did not support the laws as given by Moses and changed each and every law given by Moses in the following fashion;

JESUS SAID;
Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
(the above passage is a law as given by Moses (Exodus 21:23-27)

(in the passage below Jesus changes this law as given by Moses and Jesus gives 6 commandments as given to him by his Father in heaven, (John 12:49-50) that we are to follow)
Matthew 5:39-41
But I say unto you,
1) That ye resist not evil:
2) but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
3) And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.
4) And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
5) Give to him that asketh thee,
6) and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

Jesus does the same thing in the following verses, he first speaks (fulfills) the OT law and then speaks (declares) the NT laws

(the verse below was given by Moses (Lev 19:16-18)
43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.

In the following verses Jesus changes the laws as given by Moses in Lev 19:16-18 and speaks 4 laws that replace this law as given by Moses
Matthew 5:38-48
44 But I say unto you,
7) Love your enemies,
8) bless them that curse you,
9) do good to them that hate you,
10) and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

(the following verses are not commandments spoken by Jesus they are Sayings of Jesus
45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven:
for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good,
and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? 47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? 48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Matt 5:38-48 (KJV)

JESUS SAID,
the heavens and the earth shall pass away, but My Words (John 12:49-50) shall not pass away

[Angelanadine]

Thank you for the detailed response! It's really helpful to see the side-by-side with the bible!

[Ramon, Co Moderator]

You are most welcome, Adine. I was more than happy to share that with you. Your blessing has blessed me as well.