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Word Gems
exploring self-realization, sacred personhood, and full humanity
A Course In Miracles
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When you feel guilty, remember that the ego has indeed violated the laws of God, but you have not. Leave the “sins” of the ego to me. That is what the Atonement is for. But until you change your mind about those whom your ego has hurt [or those who have hurt you], the Atonement cannot release you.
Editor’s note: The term “Atonement” prompts us to think of orthodoxy’s teaching of vicarious sacrifice, dying on a cross, washed clean in the blood, that sort of thing. However, as we learn in the Course's instruction, the standard religious view is well disowned by Jesus: he says, "Do not make the pathetic error of 'clinging to the old rugged cross.'" “Atonement” here refers to our own efforts, supervised by Spirit Guides, to open our eyes, to reduce the influence of the ego. Notice the contextual implication: Jesus says “leave the ‘sins’ to me.” But then he qualifies this by adding, we can’t be released until we ourselves change our minds. It becomes apparent, as we proceed through the Course, that Jesus is the lead Spirit Guide, at the helm of a vast number of similar helpers, who aid younger brothers and sisters who are ready to spiritually wake up. This is the "Atonement." In Summerland, there are multiple millions engaged in various forms of service-activity toward the egoically immature. Some day you will offer your services, as well, and then you too will become part of the "Atonement." Special note: When he uses the term sin, as is the case with so many terms employed in the Course, it’s not what we’ve always heard. Notice that he puts "sins" in quotes. Why? There is no such thing as sin, not the way the churches talk about it; there is only spiritual insanity, a malady with a remedy.
I am the Atonement. You have a role in the Atonement...
When you have been restored to [your right mind, without ego], you naturally become part of the Atonement yourself [that is, we become part of a helping-team].
The purpose of the Atonement is to restore everything to you; or rather, to restore it to your awareness.
The purpose of the Atonement is to save the past in purified form only.
The escape [from fear and guilt] is brought about by your acceptance of the Atonement, which enables you to realize that your errors never really occurred [because your “true self” remains untouched by the ego].
The Atonement is the final lesson.
The Atonement is a total commitment.
The Atonement can only be accepted within you by releasing the inner light.
The acceptance of the Atonement by everyone is only a matter of time.
The Atonement must be understood as a pure act of sharing. Editor’s note: compare this statement to "heal yourself by healing others," see below
God's alternative to the illusion of separation, to the belief in the reality of sin, guilt, and death ... is the correction for all errors of perception; [it is] the reconcilation [via an awakening to the inner riches of the soul]
... non-right-minded [persons are] temporarily inaccessible to the Atonement ... [they are in] a fear-weakened state. If they are prematurely exposed to a miracle, [they may be thrown] into panic.
Editor’s note: See more discussion on Atonement under the “temple” icon.
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